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Opinion: China’s Interest In Africa Points To Military Pivot

Opinion: China’s Interest In Africa Points To Military Pivot

From DiplomaticCourier. Story by Uju Okoye.

Although China’s commitment to the region has largely been limited to pursuing economic goals, recent activities point to a military pivot in terms of Beijing’s priorities.

The country’s most recent target is Djibouti, a bilateral relationship that culminated in the signing of a security and defense agreement, which paved the way for the start of discussions over installing a permanent Chinese naval military base.

President Ismail Omar Guelleh, the country’s leader for the past 16 years, announced in May that while negotiations are still ongoing, Beijing’s presence would be “welcome”. The sticking point is that Djibouti, a small but strategic nation in the Horn of Africa is already host to the only U.S. military base in the region, Camp Lemonnier, home to some 6,000 troops and the main hub for conducting drone strikes in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Washington pays $63 million for the camp’s lease along with an extra $7 million in development aid, an important sum for one of Africa’s poorest countries.

In spite of Washington’s significant strategic interests in Djibouti, Beijing’s financial support has enabled Guelleh to strengthen his position within the country’s political context.

The Djibouti government sold a large stake in the country’s strategic port that was under the management of an opposition figure to China Merchant Holding, a Chinese state-owned enterprise. At the same time, Guelleh has a bad reputation for his multiple human rights abuses causing some U.S. officials to raise concerns that the strongman is becoming less democratic. Given China’s reputation for reeling in authoritarian leaders with promises of funds and “stroking individual egos,” Washington should view China’s expansionist activities with caution.

Beijing is pursuing its economic and security ambitions with little regard for local populations and social and environmental safeguards. Chinese investment comes hand in hand with controversial business practices as corrupt African dictators reap the benefits of partnerships, leaving local populations angered over projects that never come to fruition.

But as Africa begins to garner attention for its potential as an economic powerhouse, it is key that political reforms follow in the wake of economic development. Failing to undergo these critical steps could result in an Africa that has been wined and dined to win over its wealthy resources, but has nothing to show in terms of democratic consolidation.

Read more at DiplomaticCourier.