188 words

China establishing Djibouti military base

China has dispatched troops to set up its first ever overseas military base in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti. The move marks a key part of a wide-ranging expansion of the role of China’s armed forces

Obock: China says new base will support peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in Africa and western Asia. Includes ship repair facilities, barracks and storage structures

DEPLOYMENT: CNS Jinggangshan amphibious warfare ship
Displacement: 25,000 tonnes. Length: 210m
Capacity: 800 troops, six helicopters, 15-20 armoured vehicles, four landing hovercraft
Armament: 76mm gun, four close-in weapons systems (CIWS)

Flotilla includes CNS Donghaidao support vessel and unspecified number of Marines

YEMEN
ERITREA
DJIBOUTI
Djibouti
Gulf of Aden
ETHIOPIA 
SOMALIA
50km 30 miles

Port of Doraleh Chinese-owned commercial facility
GULF OF ADEN
Gulf of Tadjoura
Port of Djibouti
French military bases (1,700 troops)
DJIBOUTI
Japanese expeditionary base
Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
Chabelley Airport U.S. drone base
Camp Lemonnier Main base of operations for U.S. Africa Command (over 4,000 troops)
2km 1.25 miles

Sources: Chinese Ministry of National Defence, New York Times, The Diplomat 
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