More Chinese Military Bases in Africa: A Question of When, Not If
Beijing has been increasingly clear about its global military ambitions.
Foreign Policy analysis by U.S. Africa Command’s director of intelligence analysis
Chinese military basing efforts abroad have become a topic of great international interest and scrutiny. The completion of Beijing’s first overseas military base in Djibouti in 2017, revelations last year of a potential military base in the United Arab Emirates, and the announcement this spring of Chinese investment in a Cambodian military base with suspected exclusive Chinese use all support the realization that China is methodically moving forward on improving its ability to project power globally.
Deciphering where Beijing plans to place its next flag is challenging because it is a dynamic equation—one that must factor in China’s goals and those of a host nation, along with the willingness of those involved to deal with the invariable regional and international questions and blowback. One area of the world where this calculus appears favorable for China is Africa.
By Eric A. Miller, U.S. Africa Command’s director of intelligence analysis.
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