The proposed Chinese naval base in Namibia poses a long-term national security risk. As China's influence on the world stage continues t...
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| The proposed Chinese naval base in Namibia poses a long-term national security risk. |
The proposed military base has sparked concerns among security analysts and global powers alike. The proposed naval base, which would be located in the Walvis Bay, would mark China's first overseas military installation in Southern Africa.
It is worth noting that China is not the only country seeking to expand its military presence in Africa. The United States, France, Russia, and other global powers also planning to expand their military installations in various African countries.
While some argue that these foreign military infrastructures can help to stabilize fragile regions and provide valuable support for counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations in Africa, others view them as a form of neo-colonialism that undermines national sovereignty and contributes to regional tensions and instability. The ongoing conflict in Sudan is a prime example of the geopolitical implications that can arise from foreign military involvement in African nations.
Tensions and competition between Russia, United States and now China have added to the complexity of the situation and highlight the potential risks associated with the presence of multiple foreign military powers in the same region. Each power has its own interests and objectives, and there is a risk that their actions could inadvertently fuel the local civil conflicts and political divisions.
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- Djibouti: China's first overseas military base was established in Djibouti in 2017 on the Horn of Africa. The base is located near the Doraleh Multipurpose Port and the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport.
- Seychelles: China has been in talks with Seychelles about establishing a military base on the archipelago, which is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, the construction is already started.
- Tanzania: China is reportedly in talks with Tanzania about the possibility of establishing a naval base in the country, the permission is not yet granted.
- Zambia: In 2018, it was reported that China was in talks with Zambia about establishing a military base in the country and the talk is ongoing.
- Angola: China has beef up its economic and diplomatic ties with Angola recently and some analysts speculated that this could eventually lead to a military cooperation between the two countries. Angola is considered as one of the African countries where China might establish military installations.
It’s worth noting that China’s military presence in Africa has been a source of controversy and concern among many African countries, as well as Western nations. Namibia, which gained independence from South Africa in 1990, has enjoyed close relations with China for decades through the Northern Koreans that were directly involved in Namibian armed struggle.
North Korea provided military training and weapons to the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1970s and 1980s, which was fighting for independence from South Africa. This support included training of SWAPO-PLAN guerilla fighters in North Korea, as well as sending North Korean military advisors to Angola to work with SWAPO and MPLA military wing there. During the 1970s, North Korea and China maintained close political and military ties, largely driven by the common shared ideology of communism and mutual opposition to the United States’ capitalism and western imperialism.
Chinese investment in Namibia has grown rapidly in recent years, with Beijing providing military aid, funding and expertise for a range of civilian infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the port of Walvis Bay. The proposed military base is seen as an extension of this broader economic relationship, and Chinese officials have emphasized that the facility would be used primarily for logistical and humanitarian purposes while manned and managed by the military personnel.
However, many regional security analysts, including the west, have expressed concern about China’s growing presence in the region. In particular, they worry that the naval base could be used to project Chinese military power and influence throughout Africa, potentially undermining regional stability and exacerbating existing geopolitical tensions between the United States.
Some critics have also pointed to China’s recent military interventions in the South China Sea and its efforts to assert control over Taiwan as evidence that Beijing is seeking to expand its military capabilities and assert its dominance in the international arena, where African continent is not spared.
Despite these concerns, China has continued to push ahead with plans to build the base in Namibia. Beijing has sought to allay fears about the base, emphasizing that it will be used primarily for humanitarian and peacekeeping purposes, and that it will be staffed by a relatively small number of personnel. Others have argued that China’s military expansion in Africa is primarily driven by a desire to protect its economic interests and secure access to key resources, such as oil and minerals.However, many observers remain skeptical of China’s intentions, and the long-term consequences of the military base remains unclear, it is clear that the issue will be a source of debate and discussion for years to come. The proposed military base in Namibia is likely to have significant geopolitical implications, both for the wider African continent.
China’s proposed base in Namibia, poses a national security risk because that military facility could become a source of tension and conflict between China and other western powers. Similarly, other African countries may be wary of Chinese military expansionism, and concerned about the potential for conflict and instability. This also apply to United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), that was established in 2007 to consolidate all U.S. military activities on the African continent under a foreign command structure.
When The Chinese Base Will Be Built?
Due to the complex nature and confidentiality of the project, the construction of the Chinese base will likely take few years to be put on the ground , even if the plan eventually finalized quickly the construction work will be carried out under the total veil of secrecy. It is important to note that no date has been set for the construction of the Chinese naval base in Namibia. If the plan formalized, it will involve not only physical construction of installations but also the recruitment and training of military personnel for that asset.
The timeline for the project may also be affected by various political and diplomatic factors. For example, China may need to renegotiate the agreement made with the previous Namibian government, if the new commander-in-chief come on power who may decide to review the terms of the project, including issues such as agreement, funding, personnel, and the scope of the base’s operations.
Also about the location, according to well-placed source it claimed that the Chinese base will be constructed somewhere in Walvis Bay, at a strategic area near Atlantic coast, which would allow China to project its naval power and influence in the region. However, until there is official confirmation of the location, the exact whereabouts of the base remain unknown.
Opposition
Various political parties may attempt to influence the ramification of the Chinese naval base, either by supporting or opposing the development of the Chinese military project in Namibia. Despite the likelihood of the construction of the said proposed military base in Namibia to proceeding in the coming years, the exact information for the project remains highly classified at a national level.
A range of factors, including political and economic conditions, diplomatic negotiations, and technical obstacles, will all contribute to determining when the base becomes operational. Therefore, we are closely monitoring all rumors, loose talks and new developments to better comprehend the potential ramifications of the Chinese naval base in Namibia.
In addition, the proposed foreign military base in Namibia may also face opposition from local communities and civil society groups. The development of a military installation of this nature is likely to have significant environmental and social impacts, including land-use changes, displacement of local communities or fishing ground, and potential damage to natural resources.
Overall, the proposed Chinese military base in Namibia represents a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration and input from all Namibians. While the project has the potential to bring benefits to both China and Namibia in terms of military technology transfer to Namibian Navy, it also raises significant concerns and challenges that must be addressed in order to ensure a peaceful and sustainable future for the country.
As such, it is important for Namibian policymakers and security analysts to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks associated with foreign military presence in Namibia, and to work towards solutions that respect national sovereignty and promote mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation.
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