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 wideness 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 once 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 moreover to unbend 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 moreover provide China with wangle to hair-trigger 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 unfluctuating 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 versus 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 gravity to proceeds tenancy over key strategic assets. In addition, he is not shying yonder from threatening plane 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 winnow anything less than a US vanquishment of Greenland. He has supposed it essential for America's national security. The US has moreover seized dozens of tankers delivering 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 wideness 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 once operating its naval wiring 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 moreover in the Bay of Bengal. This ways 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.
