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[[Djibouti]] has become a geostrategic point for [[China]]. With a population of under one million, it is situated in a geopolitical hotspot, at the end of a chokepoint between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden through which one-third of the world's ships must pass to transport energy and cargo.

[[Djibouti]] has become a geostrategic point for [[China]]. With a population of under one million, it is situated in a geopolitical hotspot, at the end of a chokepoint between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden through which one-third of the world's ships must pass to transport energy and cargo.

Soon after concluding negotiations with Djibouti in January 2016, China promptly began the naval and military base's construction in March 2016, at an estimated cost of US$590 million.  The base is located near the heavily trafficked Bab-el-Mandeb constituting a major chokepoint for maritime traffic en route to the [[Suez Canal]] and the [[Mediterranean Sea]].  On PLA Day, August 1, 2017, the first flag-raising ceremony was held.  Djibouti provides easy access to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLAN) warships, while its proximity to other military bases makes it useful for intelligence operations and [[cyber warfare]].  The alleged "logistical support base" was built on a 200-acre site surrounded by medieval-style defensive battlements that are nine meters across at their widest point and have a maximum capacity of 7,000 people. The site features an office building, watchtowers, a seawater desalination plant, air traffic control, drone control, a 400-meter runway, and hangars.  Although the airstrip is too short for fighter jets and heavy transport planes, [[PLA]] scholars are confident that the Chinese air force will have free access to Djibouti's main airport "if and when necessary.  A new pier is long enough to accommodate one of China's two [[aircraft carrier]]s, its largest amphibious assault ship, or four nuclear [[submarine]]s.  

Soon after concluding negotiations with Djibouti in January 2016, China promptly began the naval and military base's construction in March 2016, at an estimated cost of US$590 million.  The base is located near the heavily trafficked [[Bab-el-Mandeb]] constituting a major chokepoint for maritime traffic en route to the [[Suez Canal]] and the [[Mediterranean Sea]].  On PLA Day, August 1, 2017, the first flag-raising ceremony was held.  Djibouti provides easy access to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLAN) warships, while its proximity to other military bases makes it useful for intelligence operations and [[cyber warfare]].  The alleged "logistical support base" was built on a 200-acre site surrounded by medieval-style defensive battlements that are nine meters across at their widest point and have a maximum capacity of 7,000 people. The site features an office building, watchtowers, a seawater desalination plant, air traffic control, drone control, a 400-meter runway, and hangars.  Although the airstrip is too short for fighter jets and heavy transport planes, [[PLA]] scholars are confident that the Chinese air force will have free access to Djibouti's main airport "if and when necessary.  A new pier is long enough to accommodate one of China's two [[aircraft carrier]]s, its largest amphibious assault ship, or four nuclear [[submarine]]s.  

The base also includes an underground space spanning approximately 23,000 square meters. While the exact purpose for this underground facility remains the subject of conjecture, it allows the Peoples Liberation Army Mavy (PLAN) to conduct clandestine operations, offers an added layer of protection for personnel, facilities and vehicles, and may serve as an ammunition storage facility.  A modern military hospital serves approximately 2,000 soldiers and personnel, including hundreds of marines.<ref>https://www.memri.org/reports/beijings-overseas-military-base-djibouti</ref>

The base also includes an underground space spanning approximately 23,000 square meters. While the exact purpose for this underground facility remains the subject of conjecture, it allows the Peoples Liberation Army Mavy (PLAN) to conduct clandestine operations, offers an added layer of protection for personnel, facilities and vehicles, and may serve as an ammunition storage facility.  A modern military hospital serves approximately 2,000 soldiers and personnel, including hundreds of marines.<ref>https://www.memri.org/reports/beijings-overseas-military-base-djibouti</ref>