China 'Capturing' Africa With Naval Bases In 32 Countries; Will India's Difficulties Increase?
China is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities, and has chosen the African continent as a key location for its military expansion.
Beijing: China is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities, and has chosen the African continent as a key location for its military expansion. China has established a network of ports for its warships in 32 African countries. Many of these ports are operated by Chinese state-owned companies.
Satellite images reveal the extent of the port network China has built across the African continent over the past decade, stretching from Lekki in Nigeria to Mombasa in Kenya. This could increase tensions for India in the Indian Ocean, as China has already established a network through its "String of Pearls" strategy. China's aim appears to be challenging US military dominance.
Are African Ports Operated by Chinese State-Owned Companies?
According to a report by The Telegraph, the ports built with Chinese money in Africa are operated by Beijing's state-owned companies. These ports are designed not only for trade but also to accommodate warships. Several military experts have warned that this expansion is creating a network of naval bases that could be used to deploy warships near key maritime routes like the Suez Canal and potentially disrupt global shipping.
Why do Chinese Ports in Africa Pose a Threat to the World?
These ports in Africa also provide China with access to critical materials such as copper and cobalt, which are essential for all modern technologies, from fighter jets to smartphones. Many of the ports in Africa are connected to mines via Chinese-built rail and road projects. This supports China's dominance in the rare earth elements market and provides it with significant leverage against the US. The report, citing analysts, states that through these ports, China can monitor goods and sensitive cargo passing through them.
Has US Foreign Policy Given China an Opportunity?
US President Donald Trump is pursuing a "gunboat diplomacy" approach, which involves using force to gain control over key strategic assets. In addition, he is not shying away from threatening even his allies to enhance US military capabilities. A prime example of this is the threat of a US takeover of Greenland. Trump has repeatedly stated that he will not accept anything less than a US acquisition of Greenland. He has declared it essential for America's national security. The US has also seized dozens of tankers carrying oil from Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
Are there Chinese Ports in 32 African Countries?
According to a Pentagon-affiliated think tank, Chinese state-owned companies are now operating as builders, financiers, or operators in 78 ports across 32 African countries. A report in The Telegraph, based on satellite images from Planet Labs, indicates that China is continuously strengthening its military presence in Africa. China has invested £660 million in the deep-sea Lekki port in Lagos, Nigeria, making it one of the largest ports in West Africa. Its massive docks and cranes can handle the huge container ships of global maritime trade.
Will India's Difficulties in the Indian Ocean Increase?
China is expanding its naval presence in the Indian Ocean through the African continent. It is already operating its naval base in Djibouti. Chinese warships, submarines, and spy ships are constantly patrolling the Indian Ocean. The Chinese navy is operating not only in the Arabian Sea but also in the Bay of Bengal. This means India is feeling the presence of the Chinese navy on three sides. Chinese naval vessels traveling to Africa are circumnavigating the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, the presence of Chinese warships on Indian shipping routes could pose a future threat.
