March 14, Colombo (LNW): A recent report by the US Intelligence Community unveiled China’s exploration of establishing military installations in various countries, Sri Lanka included, as part of its strategy to enhance power projection capabilities and safeguard national interests.
According to the annual threat assessment, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aims to expand its overseas military presence and secure access agreements to advance China’s influence globally.
The report highlights ongoing efforts by China, including the development of military facilities in Djibouti and Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, with plans to potentially establish bases in several other nations such as Burma, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Pakistan, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and the UAE.
The intelligence report underscores China’s ambitious military modernisation goals, aiming for a fully modernised national defence and military force by 2035, ultimately aspiring for the PLA to attain world-class status by 2049.
In addition to China’s military ambitions, the report signals broader challenges to the existing international order, with China, Iran, and Russia identified as key actors challenging the rules-based global system, contributing to increased tensions and geopolitical complexities.
