China Is Seeking a Naval Base in West Africa, according to Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command

The Chinese are actively seeking a military naval base in Africa on the Atlantic coast, which would threaten U.S. national security, Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command said at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on national security challenges and U.S. military activities in the Middle East and Africa.

“The thing I think I’m most worried about is this military base on the Atlantic coast, and where they have the most traction for that today is in Equatorial Guinea,” Townsend said.

They’ve also been seeking other ports on the West Africa coastline, but they’ve made the most progress in Equatorial Guinea, he said.

In response, the U.S. has recently sent an interagency delegation to that country to discuss U.S. security concerns, he said.

“As a first priority, we need to prevent or deter a Chinese space on the Atlantic coast of Africa,” he said, mentioning that he would discuss with lawmakers more details of those national security concerns in closed session.

Elsewhere in Africa, China holds a large percentage of foreign debt and also has extended leases on critical infrastructure, including ports and airports, he said.

Also during an interview about the continent’s challenges and opportunities, the commander of U.S. Africa Command exposed his point of view on the different  security cooperation in Africa.

“I think there’s actually room on the continent for all of us to do our respective nations’ business,” he added. China has helped in anti-piracy patrols, and that has been helpful, Townsend said.

Townsend said he would like to see more money for exercises and security cooperation with the African nations. The command has three, main maritime exercises, including one — Obangame Express — that began last week in the Atlantic. The others are Phoenix Express in the Mediterranean and Cutlass Express in the Indian Ocean.

“In these exercises, look at a broad range of problems from maritime security challenges — like smuggling and piracy to illegal or underreported, unregulated fishing,” he said. Countries from Africa, Asia, Europe and North American participate.