China’s military footprint in Africa

China is keen to protect its growing economic interests and Chinese nationals in Africa. In addition to its current military base in Djibouti, new Chinese military outposts and activities should be expected on the continent in the coming years, DIIS Senior Researcher Luke Patey forecasts. Beijing has jettisoned strict adherence to its longstanding non-interference policy when its interests have come under threat.

The inaugural China-Africa Defense and Security Forum kicked off this week in Beijing, and Luke Patey spoke with the BBC World Service Newsday (32:15-37:00 of broadcast) and CNBC in the United States about the implications of China’s growing military role in Africa.

For African countries with repressive governments more reflecting of China’s model of political authoritarianism, new defense and security cooperation could be harnessed against political opponents and civil society. While just as China is enhancing its role in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, its growing arms sales to Africa, particularly in small arms and light weapons, can fuel conflicts and unrest.