China Continues Expanding Military Footprint in Africa, Analysts Warn

Beijing set to increase its training of African security forces and is also mulling over construction of a second army base on the continent.

Members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army attend the opening ceremony of China's military base in Djibouti. STR/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China is expected to train about 2,000 African military and police officers in 2024 and is considering building a second base in Africa as the United States increases investment and security interest on the continent.

However, analysts and human rights workers are concerned that China is grooming military officers to suppress domestic dissent, and even to lead coups against governments perceived to be “too close to the West.”