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United States has expressed concern over China’s purported plans to build a military facility in Kenya and expand its influence beyond economic and investment links.
According to report, the planned installation in Kenya is part of China’s effort to build a global military logistical network to oppose the interests of powerful nations like the United States.
In 2017, China established its first military facility in Djibouti, whose location on the northwestern coast of the Indian Ocean has raised concerns in India that it may join Beijing’s “string of pearls” of military alliances and assets that encircle India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
It is China’s first overseas naval base, though Beijing officially describes it as a logistics facility.
Chinese Navy marines are deployed at the Djibouti base, along with armoured vehicles and artillery support.
“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,” said the Pentagon (US Department of Defence) in its annual report to the US Congress seen by the Business Daily.
“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.”
The warning shot comes amid an arms race between China and the US hinged on nuclear stockpiles with big implications for the military power balance.
US military planners say China is expanding its nuclear forces and bases to limit America’s options in case of conflict.
By setting up a base in Kenya, Washington warned that Beijing wants to boost its military and economic influence over Kenya and other countries in Africa.
AFP
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