Chinas Growing Influence in Africa Seen in Arms Trade and Infrastructure Investment

Chinas Growing Influence in Africa Seen in Arms Trade and Infrastructure Investment

 

China seems to be a growing influence within the African Continent. With their different many investments in African infrastructure the increase in projects is making a huge statement within. This is parallel with their arms trade within. According to an open-source intelligence company, the arms sale alone gives china a lot more influence and a lot more power over the African states. With all the military forces within Africa, nearly 70% of the 54 countries possess Chinese armored military vehicles. This proves to be a sharp increase in sales too Africa in the last two decades. This gives China a lot of pull within the country and could possibly be seen as a threat to other countries. In comparison to the US, China is contributing much more too the country. As the US only makes up about 11% of the military forces on the continent. The US shares its concerns with African officials as they do not want China setting up bases and other military functions in Africa. This comes after a decision made by former President Donald Trump, as he pulled out several hundred troops. This is a developing story and the US should keep an eye on things, as the more power China has in foreign lands, the less power the US does. 

 

By: Luke Schmidt 

 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-growing-influence-in-africa-seen-in-arms-trade-and-infrastructure-investment-11650554282