Defense, this is how China infiltrates Africa
China's growing penetration into the African defense market represents a significant element of China's geopolitical and economic strategy in Africa. The article by Giuseppe Gagliano
South African web magazine DefenseWeb recently reported on China's growing penetration of the African defense market.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA HAS PURCHASED TWO MILITARY HELICOPTERS FROM BEIJING
This includes the provision of military equipment and support for the development of industrial capacities of African countries. In particular, the Equatorial Guinea Armed Forces have acquired two Harbin Z-9WE armed helicopters from China and are evaluating the purchase of additional units. These helicopters, also used to fight maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, are equipped with advanced electro-optical sensors and can be armed with cannons, rockets and anti-tank missiles.
TIES WITH THE CHINESE NORINCO COMPANY IN UGANDA
At the same time, the national defense industry is significantly developing in Uganda. Thanks to an agreement with the Chinese company Norinco, Uganda will soon start the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and there are plans to build a joint research and innovation center and an explosives production line.
THE EFFECTS OF CHINA'S PENETRATION IN AFRICA
China's growing penetration of the African defense market represents a significant element of China's geopolitical and economic strategy on the continent.
First, military equipment sales and industrial cooperation offer China significant economic opportunities and a means to expand its influence through strategic alliances with key African nations. This not only strengthens China's presence in resource-rich regions, but also establishes lasting partnerships that can advance long-term political interests. Second, by cooperating in the development of defense capabilities, China stimulates industry and technology in countries partners, as demonstrated by the example of Uganda, which develops its UAV industry with Chinese help. This type of support promotes economic and technological progress, enhancing African military capabilities, but also creating a dependence on Chinese technologies and assistance that can limit long-term local autonomy.
Third, by entering the African defense sector, China acts as a counterweight to Western influences, which are traditionally very strong on the continent. This move not only diversifies African countries' international relations, but also gives African nations additional partnership and military supply options that can be used to negotiate better terms with other suppliers, including Western ones.
Finally, increasing military capabilities in potentially unstable regions could have important implications for regional security. The arrival of advanced technologies and weapons can alter local balances of power, potentially contributing to tensions or conflicts within or between neighboring states.
This is a machine translation from Italian language of a post published on Start Magazine at the URL https://www.startmag.it/mondo/come-la-cina-si-infiltra-nel-comparto-difesa-in-africa/ on Sun, 21 Apr 2024 05:30:52 +0000.