US intelligence agencies reportedly detected construction of a secret Chinese military facility at Khalifa port in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, leading to Washington's intervention and subsequent suspension of work, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Friday.
Satellite imagery revealed suspicious excavations inside a container terminal built and operated by Chinese shipping corporation Cosco, including what appeared to be foundations for a multi-storey building, with the site partially covered in an apparent attempt to evade scrutiny.
The Biden administration held urgent talks with UAE authorities, who appeared unaware of the military activities. Discussions included two direct conversations between President Joe Biden and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in May and August. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk visited the UAE in late September to present intelligence details, and McGurk returned this week to meet the crown prince. After US officials inspected the site, construction was suspended.
The UAE embassy in Washington told the Journal: 'The UAE has never had an agreement, plan, talks or intention to host a Chinese military base or outpost of any kind.' A senior US official confirmed: 'The Emiratis have said this isn't happening.'
The report comes amid growing US-China rivalry, with the US also warning Beijing against attacking Philippine ships in the South China Sea. State Department spokesman Ned Price called Chinese actions 'dangerous, provocative, and unjustified' and reaffirmed US defence commitments to the Philippines.
