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’.
Comments (13)
All foreign military bases should be stationed back in their home countries. Neither China or any other foreign country has any moral or legal right to station their military basis in any foreign country that includes Kenya.
USA doesn't own Kenya so that they can feel threatened!..Go Kenya, China has built more infrastructure than anyone else even if we pay through the nose!..USAID has to choose between developing Kenya unconditionally or watch as China take over...
MONEY TALKS. AS AFRICANS ALL OUR LEADERS WANT TO SEE IS MONEY.
THIS IS THE SECOND SCRABBLE FOR AFRICA.
WE'RE ALREADY MORTGAGING OUR MOTHER LAND.
Painful but true.
What happens when the China and the US government start fighting?
Or China and the UK government start fighting?
China has infected the world with Corona virus they have go.
Everyone knows it was trumps brother who released the virus. US gatta go and guesty, you gatta go
China has no diplomatic discipline in the way they do things! It is them and the rest of the world to cater for ourselves! I know a lot of Chinese. They are very arrogant folks! Something that leaves a lot not to be desired about them!
Covid19 is a good example of what china is trying to do to dominate the world! Chinese are plainly very arrogant people and can’t be trusted!
Kenya does not need a Chinese military base in Kenya! It will compromise the regional security! We have to think long and hard about china’s involvement in Africa!
A Chinese military base in Kenya is a very dangerous thing! We need to think about the future of our country in the hands of China!
Usa have more than 800 bases in 60 countries so they should zip their usual big mouth n let China do what they want.Usa should again know their times are up of being controlling freaks supa pawas n soon they will b controlled by China whether they like it or not.Usa should pay their trillion debts which they owe.Personally as an African we are ready for China the supapawa .
They can set bases anywhere and everywhere for all I care!! Food shelter clothing, just the basic needs is all that a priority!!
While you are spreading gospel of gender identity the chinese are fortifying the macho man the stoic courageous mantitude of war. USA is heading down the drain culturally like Sodom.
As far as military bases are concern. I think that;
A Chinese military base in Kenya would be a huge geopolitical mistake by Kenya. We have to remember that China is a dictatorship. If you study what China has done in their own regions such as Tibet and as well as the Uyghurs Muslim population. Then you know that Kenya should never allow a Chinese military base in its territory.
The US and even BATUK are different in the sense that these are democracies. Democracies usually have layers of checks and balances whether it is ; 1)judicial redress, 2) the vocal political differences and gridlock between the executive branch and the legislative branch or 3)the differences between successive elected govt (eg the periodic differences between republican and democratic governments).
Given how unstable the East African Region is , I think that these two military agreements between (the USA and Batuk) with Kenya are important for the geopolitical stability of the region. They not only act to deter conflict between Kenya and its neighbors, but also help to safe guard the shipping routes on the Indian ocean which is vital for global trade.( my personal view.)
@Mkenya Halisi nailed it!
I think that we should distinguish between economic agreements and Military agreements. I think that China has been a good economic development partner for Kenya and many African nations. This economic partnership for as long as it is led by smart economic agreements is good. We should however not allow their military bases in Kenyan Territory.
Wrong idea!! Military might is about to be out of fashion.
Spiritual might is what is about to rule the world and Kenya is almost ready!!
Let us keep watching this space