China opens first overseas base in Djibouti

China opens its first military base in Djibouti on same day as People's Liberation Army marks 90th anniversary.

China has formally opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti with a flag raising ceremony and military parade.

More than 300 people attended Tuesday's ceremony, including deputy Chinese naval commander Tian Zhong and Djibouti's defence minister, according to state media.

The event was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of China's military, the People's Liberation Army, on August 1.

China began constructing a base in Djibouti last year. It will be used to resupply navy ships taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, in particular.

Home to only around 800,000 people, Djibouti also hosts troops from US, France and Japan.