Ethiopian Compares American and Chinese Military Presence in Djibouti

 The most recent edition of the China Quarterly of International Strategic Studies, published by the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, contains an article titled "The Chinese and American Military Installations in Djibouti: National and Regional Security Implications" by Abebe Alemu Melese, a PhD candidate at Addis Ababa University.  

This analysis by an Ethiopian published in an official Chinese journal offers useful insights on how both Ethiopia and China see great power competition in the Horn of Africa.  The author concludes that great power rivalry in the Horn of Africa has undermined the regional integration process.  It has changed the regional balance of power in favor of Red Sea littoral states.  Income from military base rents and port investments has empowered littoral states vis-a-vis Ethiopia. 

More on Chinese Military Access in Djibouti

Breaking Defense published on 12 May 2015 commentary titled "China Seeks Djibouti Access; Who's a Hegemon Now?" by Colin Clark. 

The author emphasizes it is still unclear whether China is seeking to establish a military base or a port where civilian and military vessels can replenish food and fuel.  If it is a military base, it will be instructive how China characterizes the facility in light of its long-standing opposition to  military bases outside China.

The Diplomat published on 13 May 2015 a piece on this topic titled "A Naval Base in the Horn of Africa for China?" by Ankit Panda.

Defense News published on 16 May 2015 a commentary titled "Analyst: China's Djibouti Ambitions a Sign of the Future" by Joe Gould.  

Air Traffic Control Dangers at US Base in Djibouti

The Washington Post published on 30 April 2015 an article titled "Chaos in Tower, Danger in Skies at Base in Africa" by Craig Whitlock.  The article details the dangers faced by U.S. personnel flying aircraft and drones in and out of the military base in Djibouti known as Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.  

US Base in Djibouti

The Washington Post published on 25 October 2012 an extensive report on the U.S. counterterrorism base in Djibouti. Written by Craig Whitlock, it focuses on the operation of drones from the base, especially over Yemen. There is surprisingly little discussion of the base's role in connection with Somalia.

Click here to read the article.