CHINA SECURITY: Are China’s New ‘Floating Islands’ Being Built for the Indian Ocean?

A concept for a “Very Large Floating Structure” mobile sea base is shown in a Chinese promotional video, which was posted online by naval defense industry magazine, Navy Recognition. The mobile base project was recently unveiled at the National Defense Science and Technology Achievements exhibition in Beijing. (YouTube screenshot)

 

The project is a “Mobile Sea Base” concept, using the fitting name of “Very Large Floating Structures” (VLFS). According to an Aug. 9 report from naval defense industry magazine, Navy Recognition, the Chinese regime’s VLFS project was publicly revealed at the National Defense Science and Technology Achievements exhibition in Beijing.

I poked fun at this project in a previous report, but its implications are actually rather serious.

China’s national security law gives PLA mission to protect overseas interests

China’s military is expected to expand its offshore presence with the passage yesterday of a wide-ranging new national security law that highlights the country’s need to protect its “overseas interests”.

Besides underscoring the need to protect national territorial sovereignty and integrity, the law passed by the National People’s Congress says it is the military’s duty to defend these overseas interests, through military action if necessary.

This is in addition to the People’s Liberation Army’s responsibilities in peacekeeping, international rescue operations and escort missions.