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China’s Evolving Security Interests in Africa

Posted: April 16th, 2017

By Ambassador David H. Shinn

David H. Shinn is an adjunct professor in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.  He served for 37 years in the U.S. Department of State, including as ambassador to Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.  He is the coauthor of China and Africa: A Century of Engagement and numerous journal articles on China-Africa.

As China’s economic interests in Africa have expanded, its security interests have kept pace, to protect Chinese nationals and assets across the continent.  To that end, China has invested heavily in multinational organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations and has shown commitment to regional stability. The Cipher Brief spoke with David Shinn, adjunct professor at George Washington University and former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, about China’s array of security interests throughout Africa.

TCB: How does China’s military presence in Africa contribute to China’s national goals and what is its long-term vision?

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