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China's Potential Military Base Locations Revealed in New CSIS Map

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ary-base-locations-revealed-in-new-csis-map.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 17:16 GMT by Newsweek
      Locales: CHINA, PAKISTAN, MYANMAR, SRI LANKA, SEYCHELLES

Washington D.C. - February 1st, 2026 - A newly updated analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals a detailed picture of China's evolving global military strategy, showcasing potential locations for future overseas military bases. The map, released today, has sparked renewed debate about China's rising power and its implications for international security, particularly for the United States and its traditional allies. The assessment, building on prior research published in early 2024, paints a stark picture of a nation actively seeking to project its military influence far beyond its borders.

The CSIS map categorizes potential base locations as 'likely,' 'possible,' or 'unlikely,' based on a combination of publicly available information, diplomatic signals, infrastructure development, and assessed strategic need. While China currently operates only one officially acknowledged overseas military base - in Djibouti, Africa - the map illustrates a comprehensive effort to cultivate options for future expansion across multiple continents.

Djibouti: The Established Foothold

China's base in Djibouti, established in 2017, serves as a critical logistical hub for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Its location on the Horn of Africa provides access to vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, making it essential for China's growing maritime presence and its participation in anti-piracy operations, as well as providing a strategic listening post. This base has been a source of concern for the United States, which maintains its own significant military presence in Djibouti.

Expanding Reach: 'Possible' Locations and Underlying Motivations

The "possible" category on the CSIS map comprises a diverse array of nations, primarily located in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as Central and South America. These include Bahrain, Belize, Cambodia, Ecuador, Kyrgyzstan, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, and Venezuela. The selection of these countries is no accident. They often represent nations with significant economic ties to China, strategic geographic locations, or unstable political environments where China can exert influence through economic or security assistance.

For example, several of the Pacific Island nations listed (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau) have been the recipients of significant Chinese investment and diplomatic overtures. Their strategic location along key sea lanes makes them attractive for potential logistical support or surveillance facilities. Similarly, Cambodia and Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia represent potential opportunities for China to expand its regional influence. In South America, Ecuador and Venezuela offer potential access to the Atlantic Ocean and a means to circumvent traditional Western spheres of influence. The presence of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan indicate an intent to secure China's western border and reinforce the Belt and Road Initiative through Central Asia.

'Unlikely' Nations: Understanding the Constraints

The "unlikely" category, while extensive, provides valuable insight into the political and strategic constraints facing China's ambitions. Nations like Canada, the United States, most of Western Europe (Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland), New Zealand, and several South American nations (Argentina, Chile, Peru) are unlikely candidates due to strong alliances with the United States, robust national security infrastructure, or deeply ingrained geopolitical opposition to Chinese expansion. However, the inclusion of countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and Mongolia, suggests China continues to explore all avenues and is willing to engage in persistent diplomatic and economic pressure.

Implications for Global Security

CSIS analysts emphasize that the pursuit of these bases isn't solely about military projection. They serve a multifaceted purpose, including securing China's economic interests (particularly related to the Belt and Road Initiative), protecting Chinese citizens abroad, and enhancing its ability to respond to crises. Nevertheless, the expansion of China's military footprint raises significant concerns.

The United States and its allies are likely to view this expansion as a challenge to the existing international order. The establishment of Chinese bases in strategically important locations could potentially disrupt supply chains, limit access for allied navies, and provide China with opportunities to exert political pressure on host nations. The US Department of Defense is currently evaluating its strategy to counter China's growing influence, including strengthening alliances, increasing military presence in key regions, and investing in new technologies.

The situation demands careful monitoring and proactive diplomacy. Understanding China's strategic goals and its approach to building these relationships is crucial for maintaining regional stability and preventing potential conflicts. The CSIS map provides a vital tool for policymakers, analysts, and the public to better grasp the scope and direction of China's global military ambitions.