China-Africa Security Radar published on 10 March 2026 an article titled "Will China Pursue a Military Base in Africa's Atlantic Ocean?" by Paa Kwesi Wolseley Prah.
The author argues that contrary to conventional wisdom in US military circles, China is not particularly interested in having a military base on Africa's Atlantic coast. It would represent a massive logistical overextension at a time when China needs to concentrate naval power close to home. Such a base would be highly exposed and vulnerable to attack, making it a strategic liability rather than an asset. In any event, by investing extensively in West African commercial ports, China has access, at least in peace time, for PLA Navy port calls.
Comment: While the author makes some good points, it was generally thought that China, which professed publicly that it did not believe in military bases outside China, would not establish a military base in Djibouti--until it did.
