NEW DELHI/BEIJING: After it stunned the world last year with its own disclosure that it had sent submarines into the Indian Ocean, China has thrown the Asia-Pacific another curve ball with the revelation that it is looking to set up a naval base in the strategically located Djibouti on the Horn of Africa.

This time though the revelation has come too soon for Beijing’s liking.

It was Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh who himself declared recently that discussions were underway with the Chinese for a naval base at Obock in the former French colony, a country the US already has a base in.

It has never been easy to pierce the veil which China uses to zealously guard its defence and military expansion and the discussions with Guelleh have not been any different. China has refused to confirm or deny media reports merely saying that it is looking to contribute more in efforts to maintain regional peace and stability.

Read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/China-in-South-China-Sea-and-Indian-Ocean-A-quest-for-pre-eminence-in-Asia/articleshow/47406036.cms