To establish China’s naval strategic offshore support points has become increasingly important, says Xinhua. "Whether for anti-piracy, anti-terrorist attacks, or strategic deterrence, reliable anchors overseas are indispensable. Even for aircraft carrier groups, and their replenishment of supplies and crew, these support points are indispensable." "From a strategic perspective, in the past year, the convoy operations in Somalia and the Gulf of Aden were merely the Chinese navy’s ‘ocean display,’ and were far from a real offshore presence. China has a long way to go to build strategically secured offshore channels."
Source: Xinhua, October 27, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/herald/2009-10/27/content_12336839.htm