China seeks military port access in former Portuguese colonies
Chinese authorities are undertaking extensive efforts to gain control over seaports in former Portuguese colonies for military purposes, according to the Lisbon-based newspaper Publico.
In brief
China is conducting wide-ranging efforts to gain control of ports in former Portuguese colonies in Africa, the Lisbon daily Publico reported on Wednesday. Potential Chinese navy bases listed include the ports of Luanda, the capital of Angola, and the city of Bata in Equatorial Guinea. The daily Publico, citing political scientists from the Centre for International Studies at ISCTE university, also pointed to the Angolan ports of Cabinda, Lobito and Mocamedes, which have hosted Chinese warships or exercises. The aim is said to be a greater presence of the Chinese navy in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Portuguese daily, after analyzing a series of China's social and economic activities in former Portuguese colonies in Africa, reports that gaining access to these ports would enhance the presence of the Chinese navy in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Ports in Luanda, the capital of Angola, and the city of Bata in Equatorial Guinea are among the potential Chinese naval bases - the newspaper stated. It also noted that, over the past decade, China has shown particular interest in ports along Africa's eastern coast, such as in Djibouti.
Citing political scientists from the Center for International Studies at Lisbon’s ISCTE University, the report highlights significant social, cultural, and sports initiatives undertaken by China in several Angolan ports in recent months, as well as military exercises.
According to Publico, other Angolan ports, apart from Luanda, that could potentially host future Chinese military bases include Cabinda, Lobito, and Moçâmedes. The newspaper recalled that in recent years, these ports have either hosted Chinese naval vessels or seen military drills involving Chinese units off the Angolan coast.
Source: PAP / Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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