War Watch: China's Atlantic Strategy Raises Concern; Bolsters Their Sizable Navy

Classified American intelligence reports indicate that a small country in Central Africa known as Equatorial Guinea is the destination China intends on establishing its first permanent military presence in the Atlantic, according to U.S. officials.

Officials declined to describe details, however, the reports allegedly raise the prospect that rearming and refitting/repairing Chinese warships could be one of the main objectives of the base.

China's Strategic Bases in Africa

This foothold in the Atlantic would give China a strategic position if targeting the west, raising alarm bells. U.S. National Security Advisor John Finer visited New Guinea in October to persuade their leaders to reject China's overtures for such a project. President Joe Biden's Admin conveyed to them that actions involving China would raise national security concerns.

China's plans for its presence on the Atlantic sheds a light on the expansion of their Navy with a battle force of approximately 355 ships and submarines, including approximately 145 major surface combatants.

China's first strategic military base was set up in Djibouti, Africa in 2016 on the other side of Africa on a major shipping route leading to the Indian Ocean. These bases not only raise concern in the U.S. but others such as India, Taiwan, and ultimately, the world at large.

Original Report: The Wall Street Journal