China is expanding its maritime military exercises as a countermeasure against Western powers like the United States. China aims to strengthen military cooperation and expand its influence in Africa through joint training with African nations. This action is interpreted as China’s groundwork to utilize African nations as diplomatic leverage by reinforcing military alliances after showcasing economic ties through the Belt and Road Initiative. Simultaneously, as tensions rise with neighboring countries in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, China is significantly bolstering its China Coast Guard capabilities.
On the 31st, China’s state-run English magazine Global Times reported that a joint counter-terrorism exercise named Peace and Unity-2024 between China and Tanzania commenced on the 29th at a comprehensive training center in Mafinga, Tanzania. The training, divided into land and sea phases, will take place until August 11 for land and August 5 for sea exercises.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy dispatched three ships for this exercise, including the Type 071 amphibious transport dock Wuzhi Shan and Qilian Shan and the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Hefei. Chinese military personnel arrived in Tanzania aboard a Y-20 Strategic airlifter to participate in the training. Military expert Zhang Xuefeng emphasized that this marks the first time the People’s Liberation Army has sent troops via the Y-20 and dispatched the Type 071 amphibious transport dock for training in Africa.
In this context, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that “China is increasing opportunities for African soldiers to receive specialized training at Chinese military academies to expand its influence in Africa.”
Before the joint exercises with Tanzania, China had recently conducted joint training to enhance military cooperation with friendly nations. It wrapped up joint exercises with Russia and Belarus in Chinese coastal and European waters and is currently conducting joint training with Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Analysts suggest that these actions are a countermeasure against the West, including the U.S., strengthening its stance against China and Russia through NATO summits and Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercises.
On the same day, SCMP reported that China is rapidly increasing its Coast Guard capabilities under the pretext of maritime conflicts with the Philippines in the South China Sea, Japan in the East China Sea, and Taiwan. These regions represent three fronts where China claims sovereignty, and tensions with these countries have recently escalated. SCMP noted that expanding military strength is unavoidable as the China Coast Guard suffers more due to tensions growing across these three fronts.
While bolstering its Coast Guard, China has also enacted a law that allows it to detain individuals deemed illegal intruders at sea for up to 60 days without trial, effectively creating conditions for military operations without territorial limits, according to the SCMP report. The newspaper reported that reports from the defense ministry estimated the number of 1,000-ton class patrol vessels is over 150, even the current troop size of the China Coast Guard under the direct command of the Armed Police of the People’s Liberation Army. This includes more than 20 patrol boats converted from vessels previously operated by the Chinese Navy.
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