Summary by Geopolist | Istanbul Center for Geopolitics:
In the face of increasing instability on the continent, China’s expanding security role in Africa is indicative of its efforts to safeguard its economic investments and increase its geopolitical influence. Beijing pledged $50 billion at the 2024 FOCAC Summit, with $140 million allocated to security initiatives that prioritize the training of African military and law enforcement personnel. China’s strategy involves the promotion of private security firms, the reinforcement of military ties, and the increase in arms sales. China has become the primary arms supplier in sub-Saharan Africa, surpassing Russia, as a result of significant military exercises such as the Peace Unity 2024 with Tanzania and Mozambique and large-scale arms transfers.
Beijing’s participation is establishing a novel security dynamic by balancing its historical policy of non-interference with the necessity of a more active role. This encompasses the provision of Chinese assets to local forces, the establishment of training centers similar to those in Tanzania, and the training of African officers in Chinese institutions. In Francophone Africa, where anti-French sentiment has created new opportunities, China’s competitively priced military assets and financing options are filling the vacuum as Russia’s influence wanes.
Nevertheless, China is also circumspect, avoiding deeper entanglements in regional disputes and imposing restrictions on advanced drone sales. Its primary objective is to provide support for maritime security operations and counterterrorism. Beijing is utilizing its expanding private security companies to mitigate risks and progressively enhance its capacity for a more direct presence while ensuring that its military diplomacy is consistent with its economic and geopolitical interests in the continent.
Read the full article here.
