The growing Chinese (Communist Party of China) threat could come not only from the Pacific Ocean, but also from the Atlantic Ocean, the U.S. military commander noted.
Adm. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command, told The Associated Press that China (CCP) is working to establish a large naval port off the west coast of Africa that could berth a submarine or aircraft carrier, and that China (CCP) has approached a number of local countries with the intention of establishing a naval facility. If that comes to fruition, China will be able to berth warships in the Atlantic.
They are looking for a place where they can replenish their ammunition and repair their warships,” Townsend said. That would serve a military purpose in a conflict,” “They have a long way to go to establish it in Djibouti. Now they’re looking to the Atlantic coast to get one of those bases there.”
“China is going to be more flexible than the U.S. in certain countries in Africa,” Townsend said, “with port projects, economic efforts, infrastructure and their agreements and contracts that will lead to greater access to the future. They’re betting on both ends, making big bets in Africa.”
China established its first overseas naval base in Djibouti several years ago. Townsend said there are currently two thousand military personnel there, including hundreds of Marines for security.
Townsend said, “They definitely have weapons and ammunition. They have armored combat vehicles. We think they’re going to have helicopters stationed there soon, probably including attack helicopters.”
Many have believed for some time that China is working to establish a naval base in Tanzania. Townsend said that while China is working to build a base there, that’s not where he’s most concerned.
I want it to be in Tanzania, not on the Atlantic coast,” Townsend said. The Atlantic coast worries me a lot,” because the west coast of Africa is relatively close to the United States.
Other U.S. officials have noted that China has been hoping to establish a port in the Gulf of Guinea.
The U.S. Department of Defense’s 2020 report on China’s military strength says China may consider additional military facilities in places like Angola to support its troops in Africa.
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