This new base marks a shift in China’s geo-strategic policy, with a more militaristic posture indicating a deeper involvement in African affairs.
China’s new military base
After a decade of investment in Africa, a Chinese military installation in Equatorial Guinea has sprung up to set the tone for Chinese involvement on the African continent.
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Several US officials are concerned that Beijing has plans to establish a permanent military installation in Equatorial Guinea and thereby roll out a new African policy.
This, the officials claim, will have “far-reaching geopolitical implications”.
Africa is currently the biggest recipient of China’s $1 trillion Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which meant to change the game when it comes to global commerce.
So far, it has been noted by the US,46 Africa nations have signed onto the BRI. These nations comprise over 1 billion people and cover about 20% of the Earth’s landmass.
By setting up this base, China is said to be signaling its intent not only in commerce but in propping up rogue African regimes, says the US officials.
Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo’s 41-year rule has been marred by alleged human rights abuses and corruption. Transparency International’s annual index places Equatorial Guinea as the fourth most corrupt country in the world.
This latest sign of entrenchment in Africa adds to the over 10,000 Chinese enterprises in Africa. According to reports, these enterprises have generated over $180 billion a year in revenues and are projected to reach $250 billion by 2025.
With such thriving business, it is estimated that over a million Chinese live in Africa and have done so since the year 2000.
In the two decades since its founding, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000, Beijing has stretched its tentacles into creating a pan-African security apparatus as a companion piece to economic concerns on the continent.
This new naval base in Equatorial Guinea looks set to increase Chinese involvement in Africa.
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