How China is filling void left by France, US with stronger military ties in Africa’s Sahel
China has appointed its first defence attaché to Niger, Colonel-Major Chen Xuming, signaling a deepening of military cooperation with the West African nation. Chen's arrival, marked by a reception at the Chinese embassy in Niamey, underscores Beijing's commitment to supporting Niger's security capabilities and its fight against terrorism and cross-border crime.
This move is part of a broader strategy in the Sahel region, where China is also backing the military juntas of Burkina Faso and Mali. As French and US forces withdraw, China is stepping in to protect its interests and fill the security void, offering support to strengthen the armed forces of these nations. According to experts, the appointment of a defence attaché aims to balance the number of military representatives between China and African countries.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
China has appointed its first defence attaché to Niger, Colonel-Major Chen Xuming, signaling a deepening of military cooperation with the West African nation. Chen's arrival, marked by a reception at the Chinese embassy in Niamey, underscores Beijing's commitment to supporting Niger's security capabilities and its fight against terrorism and cross-border crime.
This move is part of a broader strategy in the Sahel region, where China is also backing the military juntas of Burkina Faso and Mali. As French and US forces withdraw, China is stepping in to protect its interests and fill the security void, offering support to strengthen the armed forces of these nations. According to experts, the appointment of a defence attaché aims to balance the number of military representatives between China and African countries.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
