Revue Espace Geographique et Societe Marocaine published in November 2018 a study titled "La China Merchants a Djibouti: de la route maritime a la route numerique de la soie" by Thierry Pairault, research director emeritus at CNRS--Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales.
The study looks at the role of the Chinese company, China Merchants Group, as it tries, at the request of the Djiboutian government, to develop an East African Singapore.
Showing posts with label ports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ports. Show all posts
Friday, November 9, 2018
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Africa and the New Silk Roads
Thierry Pairault, research director emeritus at France's Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, posted on 31 August 2018 a study titled "Africa and the New Silk Roads."
The author correctly notes that in terms of foreign direct investment and trade Africa is a minor economic partner for China, although China is a major economic partner for Africa. China is largely following a commercial strategy in Africa: selling goods and services. In the context of China's Silk Road strategy, he takes a closer look at China's engagement in Morocco and Djibouti. Pairault concludes that Morocco will allow China better access to the European Union market and eventually the African market. Djibouti, although having some utility for extending China's security reach, is more importantly a key link in China's Digital Silk Road and its efforts to leapfrog Western financial competitors by building a digital money system.
The author correctly notes that in terms of foreign direct investment and trade Africa is a minor economic partner for China, although China is a major economic partner for Africa. China is largely following a commercial strategy in Africa: selling goods and services. In the context of China's Silk Road strategy, he takes a closer look at China's engagement in Morocco and Djibouti. Pairault concludes that Morocco will allow China better access to the European Union market and eventually the African market. Djibouti, although having some utility for extending China's security reach, is more importantly a key link in China's Digital Silk Road and its efforts to leapfrog Western financial competitors by building a digital money system.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
China's Indian Ocean Power Projection
The European Union Institute for Security Studies published in July 2018 an analysis titled "Along the Road: Gwadar and China's Power Projection" by Frederic Grare, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
The analysis looks at the reasons why the China Overseas Ports Holding Company has taken over the management of Pakistan's Gwadar port. The author concludes that it has less to do with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and more to do with future use by PLA Navy ships that would give China anti access/area denial capabilities in the waters adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz. It should also be seen in connection with the new Chinese military base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.
The analysis looks at the reasons why the China Overseas Ports Holding Company has taken over the management of Pakistan's Gwadar port. The author concludes that it has less to do with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and more to do with future use by PLA Navy ships that would give China anti access/area denial capabilities in the waters adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz. It should also be seen in connection with the new Chinese military base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
The Politics of Ports in the Horn of Africa
African Arguments published on 18 July 2018 a commentary titled "The Politics of Ports in the Horn: War, Peace and Red Sea Rivalries" by David Styan.
The author concluded that ports in the Horn of Africa are proving to be of increasing interests to rival Arab and Chinese investors and the politics of ports have become central in shaping political alliances and enmities across the region.
The author concluded that ports in the Horn of Africa are proving to be of increasing interests to rival Arab and Chinese investors and the politics of ports have become central in shaping political alliances and enmities across the region.
Monday, June 25, 2018
China, Debt Diplomacy, and Africa
The Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center published in March 2018 a study titled "Debtbook Diplomacy: China's Strategic Leveraging of its Newfound Economic Influence and the Consequences for U.S. Foreign Policy" by Sam Parker and Gabrielle Chefitz, both MA students at the Kennedy School.
The study does not accuse China of trying to mire Belt and Road Initiative countries in debt. It notes, however, that China loans hundreds of billions of dollars globally and where certain countries, Sri Lanka for example, can not repay the loans, China takes strategic advantage of this situation. The study does not focus on Africa but does include a discussion of China's debt relationship with Djibouti and Kenya.
The China in Africa podcast discussed the report with both authors on 24 June 2018 in a segment titled "A US View on China's So-called 'Debtbook' Diplomacy Agenda."
The study does not accuse China of trying to mire Belt and Road Initiative countries in debt. It notes, however, that China loans hundreds of billions of dollars globally and where certain countries, Sri Lanka for example, can not repay the loans, China takes strategic advantage of this situation. The study does not focus on Africa but does include a discussion of China's debt relationship with Djibouti and Kenya.
The China in Africa podcast discussed the report with both authors on 24 June 2018 in a segment titled "A US View on China's So-called 'Debtbook' Diplomacy Agenda."
Sunday, June 24, 2018
New Insights into China's Maritime Silk Road
Hellenic Shipping News published on 12 June 2018 an analysis titled "New Insights into China's Maritime Silk Road" by Richard Scott.
It is largely a summary of two longer reports on this subject, one by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington and the other by the European Council on Foreign Relations in London. There is minimal reference to African ports, which may be telling.
It is largely a summary of two longer reports on this subject, one by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington and the other by the European Council on Foreign Relations in London. There is minimal reference to African ports, which may be telling.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Ethiopia, Djibouti, and China: Different Paths?
Ventures Africa posted on 19 June 2018 an article titled "Ethiopia's Faltering Dependence on China: Leading by Example?"
While China slows down its investment in Ethiopia, Djibouti continues to rely heavily on it. Ventures Africa argues that Ethiopia and Djibouti form a cautionary tale to other African countries concerning their levels of dependency on China.
While China slows down its investment in Ethiopia, Djibouti continues to rely heavily on it. Ventures Africa argues that Ethiopia and Djibouti form a cautionary tale to other African countries concerning their levels of dependency on China.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Resolving the Ethiopia-Eritrea Dispute
African Arguments posted on 13 June 2018 a commentary titled "How Ethiopia and Eritrea Can Forge a New Relationship" by Herman J. Cohen, former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.
Cohen suggests the following four point plan:
--A mutual security guarantee,
--Re-open the border for trade,
--Restore access to Eritrean ports, and
--Remove sanctions against Eritrea.
Cohen suggests the following four point plan:
--A mutual security guarantee,
--Re-open the border for trade,
--Restore access to Eritrean ports, and
--Remove sanctions against Eritrea.
Friday, June 1, 2018
China Turning Namibia into Shipping Hub for Region
XinhuaNet published on 21 May 2018 an article titled "Chinese Projects Firing Up Namibia's Logistics Hub Ambition."
The article provides a status report on the major port facility being constructed at Walvis Bay by the China Harbor Engineering Company. The goal is for the new harbor to serve not only Namibia, but Zimbabwe and Botswana as well.
The article provides a status report on the major port facility being constructed at Walvis Bay by the China Harbor Engineering Company. The goal is for the new harbor to serve not only Namibia, but Zimbabwe and Botswana as well.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Djibouti: Interview with President Guelleh (in French)
Jeune Afrique published on 25 April 2018 a wide ranging interview with the President of Djibouti titled "Ismail Omar Guelleh: Djibouti n'est pas a vendre."
The interview includes a discussion of the US, French, Chinese, and Japanese military bases in Djibouti and the rent each country pays. When Russia and India also requested permission to establish a base in Djibouti, the President responded "no" there are already enough.
The interview includes a discussion of the US, French, Chinese, and Japanese military bases in Djibouti and the rent each country pays. When Russia and India also requested permission to establish a base in Djibouti, the President responded "no" there are already enough.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Chinese Port Activity in the Indo-Pacific Region
Washington-based C4ADS, a non-profit organization dedicated to data-driven analysis, recently published a study titled "Harbored Ambitions: How China's Port Investments Are strategically Reshaping the Indo-Pacific" by Devin Thorne and Ben Spevack.
The report evaluates China's maritime infrastructure investment goals in the Indo-Pacific within the context of both policy from official documents and analyses from state- and Communist Party-affiliated publications. The authors found that Chinese analysts unofficially discussing port investments routinely prioritize China's national security interests over the objective of mutually beneficial economic development, contradicting the position of official policy documents.
The report evaluates China's maritime infrastructure investment goals in the Indo-Pacific within the context of both policy from official documents and analyses from state- and Communist Party-affiliated publications. The authors found that Chinese analysts unofficially discussing port investments routinely prioritize China's national security interests over the objective of mutually beneficial economic development, contradicting the position of official policy documents.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Focus on Djibouti
The Africa-China Reporting Project at University of the Witwatersrand posted on 12 April 2018 a piece titled "Djibouti: Small Country, Big Stakes" by Eromo Egbejule, Nigerian journalist.
It looks at the dramatic growth, especially ports, currently taking place in Djibouti, much of it financed by Chinese loans. There are also questions about excessive debt.
It looks at the dramatic growth, especially ports, currently taking place in Djibouti, much of it financed by Chinese loans. There are also questions about excessive debt.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Ports in Sub-Saharan Africa
PricewaterhouseCoopers published in April 2018 a 81-page report titled "Strengthening Africa's Gateways to Trade" by Francois Botes and Stacey Buck.
It is an analysis of port development in Sub-Saharan Africa. There has been a lag in African port investment. Improving the way ports are run and managed, creating greater capacity and reducing delays to shippers is key to making ports more efficient. The report suggests that China as Africa's largest trading partner has the most incentive other than African countries themselves to improve Africa's ports.
It is an analysis of port development in Sub-Saharan Africa. There has been a lag in African port investment. Improving the way ports are run and managed, creating greater capacity and reducing delays to shippers is key to making ports more efficient. The report suggests that China as Africa's largest trading partner has the most incentive other than African countries themselves to improve Africa's ports.
Monday, April 16, 2018
China in Djibouti: Mixing Commerce and Security
The Council on Foreign Relations posted on 13 April 2018 a commentary titled "China's Strategy in Djibouti: Mixing Commercial and Military Interests" by Monica Wang, an intern at the Council on Foreign Relations.
The author concludes that the mixing of commercial and military interests that made Djibouti a possibility has become the model that China will replicate again in the Indian Ocean region, and soon.
The author concludes that the mixing of commercial and military interests that made Djibouti a possibility has become the model that China will replicate again in the Indian Ocean region, and soon.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Security Implications of China's Military Presence in the Indian Ocean
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published in March 2018 a brief titled "Security Implications of China's Military Presence in the Indian Ocean" by Zack Cooper, fellow for Asian security at CSIS.
The author argues that the security implications of China's push into the Indian Ocean are mixed. In peacetime, these efforts will expand Chinese regional influence. In wartime, however, China's Indian Ocean presence will likely create more vulnerabilities than opportunities. China's new military base in Djibouti provides a rudimentary power projection base, which is bolstered by its access to ports in Bangladesh, Burma, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The author argues that the security implications of China's push into the Indian Ocean are mixed. In peacetime, these efforts will expand Chinese regional influence. In wartime, however, China's Indian Ocean presence will likely create more vulnerabilities than opportunities. China's new military base in Djibouti provides a rudimentary power projection base, which is bolstered by its access to ports in Bangladesh, Burma, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Djibouti Economically Dependent on Ethiopia
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) published on 12 March 2018 an analysis titled "Port Deal Underscores Djibouti's Reliance on Ethiopia" by Simon Allison, ISS consultant.
The author notes that Djibouti's economy is dependent on Ethiopia. Any disruption to Ethiopia's economy as a result of current political unrest will have a knock-on effect in Djibouti. The same argument applies to Somaliland's port of Berbera, where Ethiopia is expanding its connections.
The author notes that Djibouti's economy is dependent on Ethiopia. Any disruption to Ethiopia's economy as a result of current political unrest will have a knock-on effect in Djibouti. The same argument applies to Somaliland's port of Berbera, where Ethiopia is expanding its connections.
Monday, March 12, 2018
US Concerns Over China's Expanding Role in Africa
CNN ran on 11 March 2018 a segment titled "'Weaponizing Capital': US Worries Over China's Expanding Role in Africa" by Steve George and Brad Lendon.
The piece focuses on China's growing security role in Africa, especially its new military facility in Djibouti and reports that Djibouti recently terminated a contract with Dubai-based port operator DP World to run the Doraleh Container Terminal. This has led to speculation that control of the operation may be given to a Chinese company.
The piece focuses on China's growing security role in Africa, especially its new military facility in Djibouti and reports that Djibouti recently terminated a contract with Dubai-based port operator DP World to run the Doraleh Container Terminal. This has led to speculation that control of the operation may be given to a Chinese company.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Djibouti's Economy in 2017 (in English and French)
The Oxford Business Group published on 26 January 2018 an article titled "Djibouti: Year in Review."
The article said Djibouti experienced impressive growth of about 7 percent in 2017, up from 6.5 percent in 2016, driven by new infrastructure. Inflation was moderate at about 3 percent, but there was a sharp increase in public external debt.
The article said Djibouti experienced impressive growth of about 7 percent in 2017, up from 6.5 percent in 2016, driven by new infrastructure. Inflation was moderate at about 3 percent, but there was a sharp increase in public external debt.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Chinese-Built Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway Now Operating (French and English)
The Oxford Business Group published on 27 November 2017 an article titled "Commercial Operations Under Way on Djibouti-Ethiopia Railway."
The 750-kilometer long Chinese-built railway between Addis Ababa and the port of Djibouti began operating commercially on 8 November 2017. This should significantly improve the movement of freight between Ethiopia and Djibouti.
The 750-kilometer long Chinese-built railway between Addis Ababa and the port of Djibouti began operating commercially on 8 November 2017. This should significantly improve the movement of freight between Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Djibouti Steps Up Ties with China
The South China Morning Post published on 21 November 2017 an article titled "From Rail and Airports To Its First Overseas Naval Base, China Zeroes in on Tiny Djibouti" by Kinling Lo.
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh is making a state visit to China this week. This follows the signing last week of a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese company to invest $4 billion in a natural gas project to build a liquefaction plant and pipeline that will bring gas from Ethiopia's Ogaden region to Djibouti for export. China has other major infrastructure projects in Djibouti that include an airport, port, free trade zone, railway to Addis Ababa, and a military base.
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh is making a state visit to China this week. This follows the signing last week of a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese company to invest $4 billion in a natural gas project to build a liquefaction plant and pipeline that will bring gas from Ethiopia's Ogaden region to Djibouti for export. China has other major infrastructure projects in Djibouti that include an airport, port, free trade zone, railway to Addis Ababa, and a military base.
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