China on Thursday acknowledged that it plans to build a “logistics centre” for its military in the African port city of Djibouti for its naval ships and troops on escort missions in the piracy-infested Gulf of Aden, bolstering its foothold in the strategic Indian Ocean region. “China and Djibouti are discussing about a logistics centre. It is aimed to provide better facilities so that the personnel on Chinese vessels can get better rest and replenishments,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong lei said responding to US claims that China is building its first military base in Africa to “extend its reach”.