China rejects speculations of military base in Gwadar

Chinese Foreign Ministry says its unnecessary for the outside world to make too much guesses in this regard

China has rejected speculations that it is planning to establish a military base in Gwadar.

Briefing the reporters in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang termed the media reports in this connection as unnecessary speculations, Radio Pakistan reports.

He said building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an important part of the One Belt and One Road Initiative.



Lu Kang further said China and Pakistan are also making efforts to build the CPEC which is in the common interests of the countries along the route.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said he doesn't think it is necessary for the outside world to make too much guesses in this regard.



Earlier in July, 2017 Beijing dismissed an annual US Defense Department report as 'irresponsible' that predicted China would expand its global military presence, building overseas bases in countries including Pakistan.

The Pentagon report estimated that China spent $180 billion in 2016 on its military – the world’s largest – a figure well over the country’s official $140 billion defence budget. “China most likely will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and in which there is a precedent for hosting foreign militaries,” the report said.

India has also voiced displeasure at the planned route of CPEC, which cuts through Gilgit and Baltistan in Azad Kashmir – disputed territory which India claims is illegally occupied.