Chinese naval fleet makes rare visit to West Africa

In a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on July 3, Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun hailed the five-day visit of the naval fleet as a milestone in bilateral relations. The Nigerian Navy expressed its willingness to work with China to address maritime security threats and maintain stability in the Gulf of Guinea, according to Reuters.

The Nigerian Navy said the Chinese naval fleet, comprising a destroyer, a frigate and a supply ship, has arrived at Lagos port to begin a visit to Nigeria until July 6.

A Chinese destroyer and supply ship

Chinamil.com screenshot

Oil-rich West Africa is a major global crude oil exporting region. The region is one of China's top oil suppliers, mainly from Angola and Nigeria.

China’s oil giant CNOOC is involved in deep-sea production off the coast of Nigeria. In January 2023, Nigeria opened a multibillion-dollar Chinese-built deep-sea port in Lagos.

There has long been speculation that the Gulf of Guinea could host a Chinese military base. Last year, U.S. defense officials expressed concern that such a base, possibly in Equatorial Guinea, would pose a threat to U.S. national security, according to Reuters.

In 2017, China opened its first overseas naval base in Djibouti in East Africa, one of the world ’s most important chokepoints for maritime trade. The move raised concerns that Beijing could establish more “logistics bases” in the region as the Chinese military develops the ability to operate thousands of miles from home, according to Reuters.

Over the past three decades, China is said to have expanded its influence in most African countries through investment, trade and loans.

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