China Establishes First Overseas Forces to New Base in Djibouti

It's an obvious strategic location for the protection of trade routes, which are an increasing concern for Chinese interests. The kind of concern which prompted the old British base in Aden, just across the way.

Base Commanders are lodging complaints that the Chinese may be using lasers to disrupt flights putting passengers and crew in danger.

The Pentagon says Chinese forces injured two US pilots with lasers — allegations China denies.
The US and China have become embroiled in a diplomatic row over allegations by the Pentagon that Beijing's forces turned military-grade lasers on US military aircraft.

The alleged incident took place in the tiny East African nation of Djibouti, where both countries have military bases located just miles apart. Last week the US issued a formal diplomatic complaint over the incidents, saying at least two American pilots had suffered minor injuries to their eyes as a result. The US also called for China to investigate the situation, which it said involved incidents taking place over the course of several weeks.

In response, China's Foreign Ministry said the US allegations are baseless, saying the US was "speculat ing." The Defense Ministry likewise said in a statement that "US officials' comments don't reflect the truth at all."