Djibouti has a strategically vital location for protecting the straits between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea which leads toward the Suez Canal that is the main sea route from the Indian Ocean and Asia to the Mediterranean and Europe. Unfortunately this is one of those remnants of European colonialism that split off a tiny part of a larger territory to more easily control an important thoroughfare or port, similar to other such artificial constructs like Singapore, Kuwait, Panama, Hong Kong, Gibraltar, etc. In that sense it’s not really a real country and if not for European colonalism would be part of one of the larger neighboring states.
Eh, China doesn’t really have a need for bases in most of these countries. Some like Djibouti make sense for their insane geopolitical and strategic importance, but for example there is no reason for China to have a base in Burkina Faso or Angola. It just doesn’t make sense and is a financial and resource drain if there isn’t an express need for a permanent base.
Djibouti is iirc explicitly for the purpose of protecting shipping, a huge part of chinese export to Europe come through Red Sea and there was high pirate activity there so China send PLAN ships to protect their trade, i remeber watching videos with chinese frigates escorting small ship convoys.
Of course, though that responsibility is regulated by the UN to protect shipping lanes from pirates, terrorists, and hijackers in the Red Sea and Indian Oceans. So the PLAN, US Navy, British, French, and a large number of world navies participate and take turns protecting shipping.
Eh, that can run the risk of getting really dangerous and might ruin China’s diplomatic image. Because much like US bases, what country want want a military base in their country from another nation when that nation just used their military base somewhere else to incite a “spontaneous revolution”.
Its a fine line that probably should best be left alone.
There are a few inaccuracies in the map.
Sudan is outdated, there is current construction of a Russian air and naval base at Port Sudan that was started at the beginning of this year.
The US also has an established base in Tunisia in Bizerte.
There is also an established US military base in Mali in Bamako.
China has a base in Equatorial Guinea under construction.
Canada has an established base in Senegal.
Turkey has established large bases in Libya and Somalia under their control.
Well, my diagnosis is still severe lack of Chinese bases.
It would be great if there were no bases, but that’s not happening any time soon and better Chinese bases.
P.S. What’s up with Djibouti? Why so many bases in such a small country?
Djibouti has a strategically vital location for protecting the straits between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea which leads toward the Suez Canal that is the main sea route from the Indian Ocean and Asia to the Mediterranean and Europe. Unfortunately this is one of those remnants of European colonialism that split off a tiny part of a larger territory to more easily control an important thoroughfare or port, similar to other such artificial constructs like Singapore, Kuwait, Panama, Hong Kong, Gibraltar, etc. In that sense it’s not really a real country and if not for European colonalism would be part of one of the larger neighboring states.
Maybe I should try looking at the world map next time…
Thanks, comrade=)
Eh, China doesn’t really have a need for bases in most of these countries. Some like Djibouti make sense for their insane geopolitical and strategic importance, but for example there is no reason for China to have a base in Burkina Faso or Angola. It just doesn’t make sense and is a financial and resource drain if there isn’t an express need for a permanent base.
Djibouti is iirc explicitly for the purpose of protecting shipping, a huge part of chinese export to Europe come through Red Sea and there was high pirate activity there so China send PLAN ships to protect their trade, i remeber watching videos with chinese frigates escorting small ship convoys.
Of course, though that responsibility is regulated by the UN to protect shipping lanes from pirates, terrorists, and hijackers in the Red Sea and Indian Oceans. So the PLAN, US Navy, British, French, and a large number of world navies participate and take turns protecting shipping.
I guess. I would just feel better if I knew there were some based forces there ready to deal with…you know, “spontaneous” “revolutions”.
Eh, that can run the risk of getting really dangerous and might ruin China’s diplomatic image. Because much like US bases, what country want want a military base in their country from another nation when that nation just used their military base somewhere else to incite a “spontaneous revolution”.
Its a fine line that probably should best be left alone.
Thanks for pointing this out