The American-Chinese Military Rivalry in Africa Since September 11, 2001

The geopolitical and strategic significance of the African continent has made it a field of international competition, especially since the end of the Cold War. The rivalry has been particularly intense between the United States and China. However, Africa suffered from marginalization after the Cold War and the emergence of the new world order. The continent was considered a victim between the capitalist and socialist blocs within the framework of Cold War policies and their ideological confrontation. With the end of the Cold War, new globalization emerged, and major powers once again intensified their focus on regions of influence and resources in Africa.

The African continent has gained pivotal importance in American strategic thinking following the events of September 11.

The international system of the 21st century is undergoing geopolitical and economic geographic transformations. The United States views China’s rise as a political, military, economic, and even ideological challenge.

It can be said that the African continent falls within the sphere of influence of major powers that determine the course of international relations within the framework of the existing situation with its economic, political, military, and technological factors.

I. Research Problem:

The study aims to explore the dimensions of American-Chinese rivalry in Africa. The militarization of both the United States and China on the continent involves the proliferation and accumulation of military capabilities, including armed forces, arms transfers, and military bases. This is driven by factors such as the war on terrorism, piracy, and internal rebellions against existing regimes. Geopolitical and economic interests are part of the ongoing and subtle competition between major powers in Africa or a predictable outcome of the responsibilities of these powers.

The main question revolves around how the American-Chinese military competition in Africa has evolved since September 11.

Several sub-questions arise from the main query:

1. What is the concept of international competition?
2. What is the geopolitical importance of Africa?
3. What impact did the events of September 11, 2001, have on Africa?
4. What is the extent of American military presence in Africa?
5. What is the extent of Chinese military presence in Africa?
6. How does the American-Chinese military competition manifest in Africa?

II. Objectives of the Study:

1. To understand the motivations behind the military presence of both the United States and China and the extent to which each achieves its interests in Africa.
2. To analyze the effects and causes that have made Africa a military focal point after the events of September 11.
3. To monitor and analyze the declared and undeclared motivations behind China’s orientation towards Africa.

III. Importance of the Study:

Scientific Importance: The study falls within the realm of international relations and global competition in general and African studies in particular. It seeks to understand the nature of international competition, especially between the United States and China, in Africa after the events of September 11, 2001.

Practical Importance: The American-Chinese military expansion in Africa is driven by several factors influenced by the nature of international relations and the involvement of a soft power country like China. The study explores how the events of September 11 altered the political strategy towards Africa.

IV. Spatial and Temporal Scope of the Study:

Spatial Scope: The African continent.

Temporal Scope: Since September 11, 2001.

V. Study Methodology:

National Interest Methodology: This approach focuses on the idea that national interest is the ultimate goal of a country’s foreign policy. It justifies actions within the framework of pursuing or maintaining national interests, which result from various economic, political, military, and ideological considerations. The study concentrates on military-strategic considerations, including policies designed to defend national borders and maintain national integrity against any aggressor or to achieve all foreign policy objectives abroad. After the Cold War, some countries began to shift their foreign policy goals from aggressive to a greater focus on domestic welfare, economic issues, and other global concerns.

VI. Previous Studies:

A review of several fundamental studies related to the topic has categorized them into three main themes based on their subjects and relevance to the study questions:

1. Studies discussing the geopolitical importance of Africa.
2. Studies examining the foreign policies of the United States and China towards Africa.
3. Studies analyzing the American-Chinese military competition in Africa.

Notable studies include:

1. “Hadi Barham’s” study titled “American-Chinese Rivalry in the African Continent After the Cold War (1991-2010)” which reveals the reasons and motives behind international competition in certain world regions and highlights the features of American-Chinese rivalry in Africa.
2. “Hakim Najmuddin’s” study titled “The Competition for Africa: Chinese-Russian-American Influence” focuses on China’s growing influence in Africa and its implications for U.S. interests.
3. “Khaled Al-Tizani’s” study titled “American Military Expansion in Africa: Motives and Stakes” explains the new international system’s impact post-Cold War and the changes in American foreign policy post-September 11.

VII. Study Division:

The study is divided into two main sections:

Section One: Conceptual Framework

1. Concept of International Competition.
2. Geopolitical Importance of Africa.

Section Two: American-Chinese Military Competition

1. American Military Presence in Africa.
2. Chinese Military Presence in Africa.
3. American-Chinese Military Competition in Africa.

Section One: Conceptual Framework

Subsection One: Concept of International Competition

The concept of competition is divided into two parts: linguistic and terminological.

Linguistic Concept: The term “competition” means rivalry over something. Competition is a natural inclination and involves efforts to excel or compete among groups or nations for geographical areas, resource sites, or specific titles or authority. Competition arises between two or more parties striving towards a specific goal.

Terminological Concept: International competition is a political concept reflecting differences between states that do not reach the stage of conflict, having political and economic dimensions to achieve interests and status within the international and regional framework. In the post-Cold War world, with the rise of economic and technological factors, multinational corporations have become significant actors, focusing on maximizing their benefits at the expense of local communities.

Explaining International Competition through International Relations Theories:

International competition is discussed in various international relations theories:

Realist Theory: Focuses on national interest, where the priority is national and regional security, making competition and conflict a characteristic feature of state relations. States aim to increase their military capabilities to assert dominance over others.

Liberal Theory: Argues that competition should be seen as cooperation rather than conflict. It posits that economic or technological factors are more crucial than military ones and that international organizations and multinational corporations play a significant role in transforming competition into cooperation.

Subsection Two: Geopolitical Importance of Africa

Africa’s geopolitical importance stems from its strategic location, being a critical transit route for global transportation and controlling maritime arms from an international navigation perspective. The continent’s wealth of natural resources, despite the lack of material and technical capabilities of African states, has attracted major powers exploiting these resources and interests.

The continent holds a strategic and vital reserve of diverse resources, including energy and minerals. It represents a significant consumer market that stimulates international powers. Alongside its political and security weaknesses, Africa became a target for colonial powers seeking to exploit its vast wealth. The conflict in Africa has economic dimensions, but it also includes strategic considerations that make the continent a focal point of global attention due to the political and security interests of competing states.

Section Two: American-Chinese Military Competition

Subsection One: American Military Presence in Africa

American interest in Africa is driven by a desire to counter major powers’ influence and to view the continent as a field for investment and a market for primary resources. The U.S. aims to benefit from Africa’s strategic geographic position and its vast reserves of various strategic minerals, with African oil being of particular importance since the 1950s. A 2001 report emphasized Africa as a rapidly growing source of oil and gas. Post-September 11, Africa has become a key focus in American strategic thinking, evidenced by high-level visits from U.S. officials and the establishment of AFRICOM in Stuttgart, Germany in 2004, involving eight African countries.

Following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. found North African countries as close partners, shifting its policy agenda to ensure long-term strategic interests in the region. The increase in terrorist activities and the rise of Somali piracy led to heightened American military involvement to protect maritime safety in the Gulf of Aden. AFRICOM’s establishment marked a significant expansion of American military operations on the continent, including various training and assistance programs. The U.S. has military bases and important strategic points across Africa, such as in Uganda, Djibouti, Senegal, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Subsection Two: Chinese Military Presence in Africa

China’s interest in the developing world, particularly on the military front, reflects its broader foreign policy traditions. Beijing, with its significant military capabilities, has deterred American intervention in its conflicts with Taiwan. China recognizes Africa’s need for security and military support to manage its borders and sovereignty. This support includes technological advancements and military equipment to enhance African nations’ defensive capabilities.

China’s anticipated move to establish a military base in Djibouti signifies a new phase in its competition with traditional economic powers like the U.S. and France. Djibouti’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa and its significance as a major shipping route have heightened concerns in Washington and Paris. The U.S. and France have expressed reservations about China’s military presence in Djibouti, viewing it as a potential threat to their interests. The Chinese government, however, has downplayed these concerns, framing the base as a logistical support point rather than a military base and emphasizing its strategic cooperation with Djibouti.

Subsection Three: American-Chinese Military Competition

According to available statistics and forecasts, China’s GDP is expected to surpass that of the United States by 2030, reflecting a major shift in global economic and military dynamics. Both countries are engaged in a strategic competition for influence in Africa, where the military dimension has become increasingly prominent. Africa’s resources and geopolitical significance make it a battleground for influence between China and the U.S., with both powers seeking to maximize their strategic advantages. This competition involves military cooperation, arms sales, and establishment of military bases to secure and expand their influence on the continent.