US Raises Alarm over China's Plan to Set Up a Military Base in Kenya

The United States has raised the alarm over alleged plans by China to set up a military base in Kenya.

The Pentagon claims the planned military base in Kenya is part of China’s bid to establish a global military logistics network to counter the existing interests of the US and other superpower nations.

In its annual report to the Congress, the US Department of Defense noted that China is keen to open more military bases abroad, and has identified Kenya as one of the countries.

In 2017, China established its first foreign naval base in Djibouti, which also hosts the US and French bases. Chinese Navy marines along with armored vehicles and artillery support are deployed at the Djibouti base.

Djibouti is strategically important given that it is the gateway to the Middle East, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal—an important artery in global trade and logistics.

“The PRC [People’s Republic of China] has likely considered a number of countries, including…Kenya as locations for PLA [The People’s Liberation Army] facilities,” the US Department of Defense said in the report.

“A global PLA military logistics network and PLA military facilities could both interfere with US military operations and support offensive operations against the United States as the PRC’s global military objectives evolve.”

Pentagon warned that by setting up a base in Kenya, China wants to extend its military and economic influence over Kenya and other countries in Africa. 

“The PRC is seeking to establish a more robust overseas logistics and basing infrastructure to allow the PLA to project and sustain military power at greater distances,” it said.

Kenya and the US have strong military engagements. The US has a military base in Manda Bay, Lamu County.

The Kenyan military did not confirm or deny claims about the planned Chinese military base while China’s embassy in Nairobi termed the information as ‘totally false’.