May 10, 2020,07:50am EDT
Satellite Images Show That Chinese Navy Is Expanding Overseas Base
H I Sutton
I cover the changing world of underwater warfare.
China’s navy, formally known as the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), has become more active in the Indian Ocean and Middle East. A cornerstone of its increasing reach is an overseas naval base in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa. Recent satellite images indicate that China is continuing work at the fortified Support Base there.
The images show that the pier is now substantially complete, so it should be able to accept ships soon. One image from March this year has been shared on Twitter by user @detresfa_, an open-source intelligence analyst. It shows an excavator working on the reclaimed land, a small but telling detail. Analysis suggests that this may be the start of a new quay or second large pier, significantly increasing the capacity of the base.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/05/10/satellite-images-show-chinese-navy-is-expanding-overseas-base/#2a7d52616869
