Politics
16:09, 27-Jul-2017
Chinese navy extends global reach, open seas protection
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In recent years, the Chinese navy has been undergoing a transformation highlighted by normalization of offshore training, a wide range of equipment upgrades, and an increasing number of international security missions. The transition from brown to blue-water operations characterizes the navy’s development in recent decades.
"As Chinese global interest and expeditionary capabilities grow, maritime security has become increasingly important to the country,” says Li Jie, Research Fellow at the Navy Military Academic Research Institute. “Nowadays, more than 80 percent of China’s foreign trade and more than 60 percent of petroleum imports are conducted through shipping. So building a support base in Djibouti is necessary."
Chinese naval vessels have been increasingly serving outside of their regional waters, taking part in more humanitarian and international security operations.
Last year, Chinese naval ships evacuated more than 600 Chinese citizens and 279 foreigners from Yemen as security worsened in the country.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that China is moving ahead to become a strong maritime power and is determined in protecting its maritime rights. Experts agreed that a stronger Chinese navy is necessary to protect the country's increasing overseas interests.