China ‘building huge MILITARY BASE next to Australia’ as claims spark worries
ALARM bells are ringing amid claims world superpower China plans to build a new Pacific Ocean military base.
By Paul Harper
DailyStar.co.uk
17th April 2018
Beijing has been accused of having secret plans to house its troops on Vanuatu – where it has growing influence – close to Australia and New Zealand.
The move has sparked concern about increasing Chinese presence in the region.
Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian Prime Minister, said: “We would view with great concern the establishment of any foreign military bases in those Pacific Island countries and neighbours of ours.”
New Zealand PM Jacinta Arden said: “We, of course, keep a watching eye on activity within the Pacific and that New Zealand is opposed to the militarisation of the Pacific generally.”
A security expert Adam Locker told News.com.au that the potential military post would be a “massive deal”.
He said: “As soon as you have that, Australia is vulnerable to military attacks and skyrockets.”
Local media reports have suggested Beijing’s wants an access agreement to allow its naval ships to dock routinely for refuelling.
The controversial claims have been denied by Chinese officials but its influence in Vanuatu, where it first established an embassy in 1989, is without question.
Chinese money accounts for almost half of the country’s foreign debt through loans, reported News.com.au.
It is claimed the People’s Rebulic transferred at least £1.1 billion to the cash-strapped nation between 2006 and 2016, according to the Lowy Institute.
Some security experts believe it is part of an increase policy of militarisation in which China exerts influence over small, poorer nations by offering huge loans with the goal of grabbing land if they can’t make repayments.
As it stands however China has just the one oversees military base in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa.
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