J-10 Thread IV

[CannedFish]

"Free" is outrageous, but surely we can come to alternative arrangements. How many J-10s would you trade for a naval base in the Mediterranean?

Firstly, what sort of benefits would this give China? Or to be more blunt, why would China even need a naval base in the Mediterranean?

Secondly, Djibouti already exists at the mouth of the Red Sea.

Thirdly, that's a lot of money in terms of planes and military equipment being given away, for what would most likely be an empty plot of desert. Only to then drag even more money into building, supplying and operating a base that in all honest opinion, China doesn't need.

Fourthly, I can already hear the all propaganda about "another land grab by China" yada yada.

I can understand there are things Egypt could trade for J-10Cs but your suggestion/example is just absurd.

 

[Tomboy]

Firstly, what sort of benefits would this give China? Or to be more blunt, why would China even need a naval base in the Mediterranean?

For military presence in Europe? Also could serve as a resupply base for future Freedom of Navigation missions along with true blue water capability. If PLAN wants true blue water capability it is going to need bases everywhere like the USN.

Secondly, Djibouti already exists at the mouth of the Red Sea.

You mean the one that's surrounded by like a dozen bases from less-than-friendly if not openly hostile powers? Also, it doesn't even come with an airfield.

Thirdly, that's a lot of money in terms of planes and military equipment being given away, for what would most likely be an empty plot of desert. Only to then drag even more money into building, supplying and operating a base that in all honest opinion, China doesn't need.

China has given away far more money than this as long as Chinese leadership think its worth it.

Fourthly, I can already hear the all propaganda about "another land grab by China" yada yada.

Literally noone cares, western media will turn anything China do bad so why bother. Increasing your influence and military present is far more important than caring about what some guy on Reddit thinks.