China is constructing a secret military base in Tajikistan, satellite images reveal, as it seizes on the rising threat to security posed by Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
Beijing has been building the base in one of the most remote corners of the world for almost a decade. China signed a security pact with Tajikistan in 2016.
The facility, carved out of mountains that rise 13,000ft high, has look-out towers and troops from both countries, which now hold regular joint military drills shown on Chinese state media.
Neither government has publicly acknowledged the existence of the base, which extends a former Soviet outpost. But the images show a steady pace of construction, including access roads to the base.
China has sought to expand its military footprint on all its borders, notably pushing into Indian territory in the Himalayas.
Concern is rising that Beijing plans to do the same in neighbouring nations, as it boosts relations with Tajikistan at a time when Russia, its usual economic and security partner, is embroiled in its invasion of Ukraine.
On July 4, president Xi Jinping cemented growing ties with Tajikistan in his third state visit.
“The situation is that of a vacuum, and the vacuum is filled by China,” said Parviz Mollojonov, a political scientist and acting country director for International Alert, a UK-based NGO that promotes peace.
“Since the deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan, China uses the concern of the Tajik government to build in the security sector.”
China constructs secret Tajikistan military base amid fears of Taliban
American Buddhist Net 