A recent assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), a key US intelligence agency, highlights China’s growing ambitions for a global military presence. This focus on expanding its reach beyond its borders comes as China seeks to project power and secure its interests abroad.
The ODNI report points to China’s efforts to establish overseas military bases and access agreements. This strategy follows the development of their base in Djibouti and a military facility in Cambodia. Notably, Pakistan is included on a list of potential locations for future Chinese bases, alongside countries like Burma, Cuba, and several others.
This development aligns with Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s vision of a powerful “blue-water navy” capable of operating worldwide. Previously, China’s only acknowledged foreign military base was in Djibouti. While that remains their sole publicly confirmed base, the ODNI report suggests a broader strategy is unfolding.
Historical Context: US Presence in Pakistan
It’s worth noting that the US also maintained military bases in Pakistan for a period, particularly during the post-9/11 era of the Global War on Terror. The presence of both the US and China in Pakistan, albeit in different contexts, highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.
March 14, 2024
Source: Newsweek, Office of the Director of Intelligence, US