Chinese forces deployed in its only overseas military base have conducted another round of live-fire drills in the deserts of Djibouti, east Africa. According to Chinese media, the drills mainly covered gunnery training and use of communication equipment.
The Chinese troops arrived in Djibouti in July, one month ahead of the official opening of China’s first overseas military base. In September, the troops held their first live-fire drill.
The Chinese base is located west of the city of Djibouti, the capital of the country. The establishment of the base is a clear sign of China’s growing military and diplomatic assertiveness.
China says that the facility will serve primarily to support military logistics for Chinese troops in the Gulf of Aden, and peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Africa. The base is staffed by about 300 personnel.
Djibouti also hosts military bases for the United States, Japan and France.
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
The Chinese really need to invest in some desert tan uniforms. Even European woodland blends in better then those blue uniforms.
Actually if they have, iraqui troops with type 07 “Arid” camouflage
https://camogeek.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/coov45mxeaabkti.jpg?w=816
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgyASSS1Hbc
No ground force should use blue in any combination.
Usually, camouflage uniforms (ground force) are two for each temperate/woodland, desert and urban scenarios.
They looks like the navy under very shiny weather:
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/799adac853f1d2f2d14703f2c89cccb36c0d246fdfc301c4694da7833cc82e4f.jpg
Why dont they use Type 07 “Arid” camouflage?
My guess would be that The Brass was too busy with getting the base up and running and likely forgot the uniform issue. The drill took place back in Sept. This is assuming that the soldiers don’t have to pay for the new uniforms. If the soldiers do have to pay for new uniforms, then they probably don’t want to spend the money.
The flashy uniforms are about great camera shots and propaganda.
It caught your attention for sure ! :)
If Chinese really were what they pretend to be, than they would have done some live fire in Syria.
I agree. Syria was the best chance to test out their equipment, logistics and doctrine. The World wouldn’t have any problems if China actively fought against ISIS. I have a feeling it’s because they didn’t want to upset Washington which would negatively affect trade. Another possibility is that they’re expecting to fight in the South China Seas, Indian border and in the Korean peninsula against US, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea and possibly Taiwan. The last thing they need, is to be fighting against Muslims.
Honestly, they do business with anyone and all they care about is making money. Since the Syrian conflict poses no threat to their borders, they really don’t have any incentive to fight for foreign interests.
Ivan, very good commentary!
You can bet they’ll move in on the reconstruction projects! They did provide logistical/medical/financial support to the Assad government, allegedly.
Right on many points. Why create enemies when it is not required.
Chinese wants to trade and help build a better world for all rather that go round showing off their fire power.
Remember, when they build rails and roads along everywhere they have to be on good terms with everyone.
So it is just business. Nothing wrong with that.
However if anyone want to make trouble with China, then he/she gets it properly.
They should have attacked ISIS in Syria and shown they will not stand idle when it comes to those Uyghur jihadist mongoloids. And they would have put the USA in its place and shown the dragon has some teeth.
Because right now the only respect they get from the USA is that China is a huge country and huge economy. They also need to show off their equipment in some productive manner, heheh. The world would fear and respect them more if they had been blowing islamists into little chunks of burnt flesh like what Russia is doing.