However, the new base in Djibouti is a cause of concern for India as China builds on its military alliances with countries that encircle India, notably Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

In a statement Tuesday morning, Shen Jinlong, commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy said the establishment of a Chinese base in Djibouti was a decision made by both parties after “friendly negotiations.”

China did not specify how many troops or ships it would be sending to Djibouti nor when maneuvers would start. The PLA Daily presented a four-page spread on the move and said China would not be drawn into military expansionism or get into an arms race, the Japan Times reported.