Will China establish a military base in the South Pacific? The Chinese government has given a clear response.
On July 3, the Chinese embassy in Fiji issued a statement, responding clearly to the previous remarks by Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in Australia opposing China's establishment of a military base in the Pacific.
The Chinese side stated that China has no interest in geopolitical competition, and does not seek so-called spheres of influence. It urges all parties not to force island nations to take sides, or impose their own interests on others. China's presence in the South Pacific is for improving people's livelihood, not for stationing troops.
Currently, China has two overseas joint logistics bases. One is located in Djibouti in North Africa, covering the Suez Canal and the Persian Gulf, serving the anti-piracy fleet in the Gulf of Aden. The other is located in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, covering the Gulf of Thailand and the Strait of Malacca, but without a permanent garrison.
From the layout, the locations of China's overseas joint logistics bases are mainly highly related to maritime traffic routes, and are located in areas of political and military influence. Obviously, the South Pacific is not within China's main area of influence, nor does it have sufficient interests to drive. However, with the strengthening of China's maritime Silk Road connections with Latin America, the area of influence will expand, and there may be a need to establish military joint logistics facilities in the future.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836682732125260/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.