More Chinese military bases abroad possible: PLA strategist

China has raised the possibility of opening more military support bases abroad in case there is a need to do so, according to a senior People's Liberation Army (PLA) strategist, the media reported on Thursday.

Lt General He Lei, a former Vice President of the Academy of Military Sciences of the PLA, said at a press conference here on Wednesday that China would open new bases under two conditions, Efe news reported.

"This matter is primarily determined by whether a new base is needed to help China better fulfil missions given by the UN. Second, it depends on the approval of the nation where a new base should be located," China Daily newspaper quoted He Lei as saying.

If these two factors were fulfilled, "it is possible for China to build new overseas support bases", he added.

The official said the main function of these sites was to provide logistical support to PLA units abroad and not to set up Chinese military forces in other countries.

China has a single military base abroad, located in Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa.

--IANS

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