Djibouti base upgrade may offer PLA window on foreign military Middle East operations
China has upgraded its military base in Djibouti with communications equipment a US think tank says is “likely enhancing” the country’s ability to collect signals intelligence – potentially giving the PLA a window on foreign military operations in Djibouti and the wider Middle East. The Chinese facility sits within 16km (10 miles) of US, French, Italian and Japanese military bases, according to…
China recently upgraded its military base in Djibouti with advanced communications equipment, potentially enhancing its ability to collect signals intelligence and gain insights into foreign military operations in the region, according to a US think tank. The facility, located near other foreign military bases, was opened in 2017 and has since become a hub for Chinese naval operations in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.
The upgrade includes two large compounds with various antennas, satellite dishes, and 5G arrays, which could allow the PLA to monitor nearby US, Japanese and other military operations. This development comes as Djibouti becomes increasingly significant for the United States due to the targeting of US bases in the Middle East, and as the US Air Force plans to expand its surveillance capabilities at the nearby Chabelley Airfield.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
