China's PLA first international support base officially launched in Djibouti

China's first overseas logistics support base for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been officially opened in Djibouti.

China's first overseas logistics support for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is officially launched in Djibouti, August 1, 2017. [Photo: China Plus]

A ceremony was held Tuesday, August 1, 2017 in the east African country, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. Five Chinese formations and Three Honor Guard formations from Djibouti took part in the event. 

China's first overseas logistics support for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is officially launched in Djibouti, August 1, 2017. [Photo: China Plus]

The logistics support base in Djibouti is designed to help assist the Chinese military's international obligations, including maritime convoys in the Gulf of Aden and Somalia, as well as assistance in humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts in Africa and west Asia, according to the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

China's first overseas logistics support for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is officially launched in Djibouti, August 1, 2017. [Photo: China Plus]

The support base was completed on July 11, 2017. Its creation follows friendly negotiations between both countries, according to the PLA navy.

China's first overseas logistics support for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is officially launched in Djibouti, August 1, 2017. [Photo: China Plus]

China's first overseas logistics support for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is officially launched in Djibouti, August 1, 2017. [Photo: China Plus]