China is set to extend the reaches of its military as the country starts the construction of its first overseas base in Africa.
The Asian superpower began construction of the base in Doraleh, Djibouti in February, Fox News reported. The 90-acre base is expected to be completed by next year and will serve as China's first naval outpost in the region.
Experts said that the new base, which is located just 14 kilometers away from the United States' largest military base in the continent, will likely be used more for resupplying, as it features ship and helicopter maintenance facilities, as well as weapons storehouses. Chinese naval vessels have previously docked in Djibouti to get supplies.
However, a small contingent of Chinese marines or special forces could also possibly be stationed in the base, they added.
With the base, China joins the handful of countries that maintain military facilities outside of their borders. The US leads the pack, with several dozen bases in 42 different countries, followed by Britain, France and Russia.
However, Chinese officials were quick to clarify that there are no plans to build major overseas bases like the ones maintained by the US, though they admitted that there are ongoing negotiations to secure more overseas outposts in different locations.
The establishment of the base is also seen by experts as the country finally flexing its military muscles and getting out of its earlier isolationist mindset to establish itself as a maritime power.
Outside of military advancements, China is also heavily investing in Africa. From 2009 to 2014, the country has poured in around $328 billion in several construction projects around the continent, The Huffington Post reported.
The trend is likely to continue as the country tasking the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to provide funding for other infrastructure projects around the globe.