Members of China's peacekeeping infantry battalion stand in formation for inspection by representatives of the Untied Nations at their camp in South Sudan on May 26, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
CNBC: China says it will increase its military presence in Africa
* China is looking to strengthen defense engagement with African countries, adding to its economic and commercial profile on the continent.
* That would compliment existing Chinese ventures, such as peacekeeping activities and weapons sales, as well as protecting Chinese assets, experts say.
For decades, China's presence in Africa has largely focused on economic, commercial and peacekeeping activities. Now, Beijing is building on that by establishing greater military links to protect its national assets on the continent and gain greater geopolitical influence.
The People's Liberation Army conducts regular joint training exercises across the region and, in certain countries that are home to major Chinese infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road initiative, the communist state has been especially active.
In Djibouti, where Chinese companies have constructed strategic ports and Africa's first electric transnational railway, Beijing last year formally launched its first overseas military base, which also operates as a logistics and intelligence facility. Many experts now anticipate more Chinese bases in the years to come, with Namibia rumored as a potential location.
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WNU Editor: Africa is the continent that China sees enormous economic and commercial possibilities, and they naturally want to protect these interests. I concur with the above CNBC article, Namibia will be the next country that will be hosting a Chinese base.
Hat tip Fred for this link.
