By HARSH V. PANT
LONDON — So finally it is out in the open. China will be setting up its first military base abroad in Seychelles to "seek supplies and recuperate" facilities for its navy.

The Indian Ocean island nation has defended its decision by suggesting that it has invited China to set up a military base to tackle piracy off its coast and Beijing has played it down by underlining that it is standard global practice for naval fleets to re-supply at the closest port of a nearby state during long-distance missions.

Good. Hope for the best. China needs to protect it's interest overseas and they should fully upgrade this "base" to a full blown military base, keeping vital trade route between Africa and Middle safe.

May I also suggest, some sort of presence/deep influence in the following country?
Burma, Papua New Guinea, and Nepal.

And to strengthen military ties with the following countries.
1) Thailand
2) Malaysia
3) Indonesia
4) Cambodia
5) Laos
6) Kazakhstan

As well as keeping healthy relationships with the BRICS, Japan, Germany, African nations, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Personal opinions only.

do you think this is a retaliation of india minding into china business in south china sea?