China is trying to expand its global military presence and increase its influence in a manner that avoids direct conflict with other countries, and it might set up a military base in Pakistan, a report prepared by the Pentagon has said. Pakistan has also emerged as the biggest market for Chinese arms exports, a focus area in Beijing’s expansion plans, the report titled ‘Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2017’, said.
“China most likely will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a long-standing friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and in which there is a precedent for hosting foreign militaries,” the report submitted to the U.S. Congress said.
China has termed the assessment “irresponsible”.
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