The US Congress on Tuesday heard that China’s growing influence in Djibouti may be an impediment to Washington’s military activities in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
“Our relationship with Djibouti is strong, though we are carefully monitoring Chinese encroachment and emergent military presence†US Africom Commander Gen. Thomas Waldhauser told a US Congress committee.
“Furthermore, last August, the Chinese opened their first overseas naval base in Djibouti. U.S. Africa Command views security and access to Djibouti as a top priority. Consequently, we continue to monitor this development to ensure U.S. interests are not deterredâ€.
There have been reports that a Chinese company may replace UAE DP World after Djibouti ended the latter’s lease agreement in February.
Djibouti said the company was unable to solve disputes that had dogged the agreement since 2012.
DP World termed the Djibouti government decision illegal and filed a case in the International Court of Justice.
