Russia and China Engage in Base Thoughts

摘要

In the world of distant naval bases not much happens from year to year. February was made unusual, then, by the news of two new likely naval bases - one Russian and one Chinese. Russia is quietly negotiating for a base on Cyprus (the Greek part, that is). Reports conflict (the parties are keen to obfuscate), and we will see quite a bit of good old-fashioned Maskirovka washing about before the true picture emerges, but it seems likely that Russia will get what it wants. China, meanwhile is nudging its way towards a naval base on Sri Lanka, in a corner of a £1 billion civil port development that is being financed by Chinese interests.