BEIJING, Nov. 27 -- A spokesman for China's Defense Ministry on Thursday denied reports that China was planning to build an overseas base in Walvis Bay, Namibia, the country's only deep-water port.

"We are aware of this report in circulation," spokesman Geng Yansheng told a regular press briefing, adding that it had quoted an unofficial article, which had been posted on the Internet two years ago, and had exaggerated and distorted the original source.

"The report is unfounded," Geng confirmed.