The Namibian, citing reports in the Chinese media, says that China is planning to establish 18 naval bases in strategic locations that included the port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka.

Another one of these naval bases is due to be established in the Walvis Bay in Namibia and this was confirmed to The Namibian newspaper by Namibian Ministry of Defence spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Monica Sheya.

The Namibian reports that China plans to build replenishment, berthing and maintenance bases in foreign countries through mutually beneficial and friendly consultations.

When News1st inquired about the matter, Director of the Media Centre of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya denied claims that a Chinese Naval base is to established in the Hambantota.