World War 3: China and the US could be set for major military conflict in Africa.
AFRICA could be a potential site for a land war between China and the US in the near future, experts have warned.
Beijing is seeking to extend its influence in Africa through both economic and military means, as it continues to project its power around the world. The People's Republic established its first military base in Doraleh, Djibouti on Africa's eastern coast back in 2017. The move caused considerable alarm among US military officials, as the new base was located just eight miles from a US military facility.
Professor Gerald Horne, from the University of Houston, told The Sun Online: "Certainly, the signs of impending conflict between China and the US are worrisome, especially as suggested in the recent novel by NATO former leader, James Stavridis.
US General Stephen Townsend warned that Beijing is now looking to extend its military presence to Africa's Atlantic coast.
In an interview with the Associated Press on Thursday, he said that China wanted to set up a large navy port capable of hosting submarines or aircraft carriers on Africa's western coast.
The US General claimed that the Chinese government had already approached countries stretching from Mauritania to the south of Namibia about its plans for a new naval base.
He explained: "They're looking for a place where they can rearm and repair warships.
Beijing has substantial economic interests on Africa's west coast, including fishing and oil.
Henry Tugendhat, a senior policy analyst with the United States Institute of Peace, told Voanews.com that China's desire for ocean access on Africa's Atlantic coast could be driven more by economic rather than military considerations.