China is expanding foothold in Africa’s security and critical infrastructure sectors.
China is expanding its security engagements in Africa as part of its Global Security Initiative. These engagements include joint drills and operations with African forces, which have grown in scale and sophistication in recent years. The joint Chinese and Egyptian air force drills in May 2025 were the largest Chinese deployments of air power in Africa ever.
The Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) is notable for containing more security commitments than any previous FOCAC action plans. Today, China is training roughly 2,000 African officers annually and has become a leading arms supplier on the continent. Roughly 70% of African countries now operate Chinese armored vehicles.
Chinese security engagements are often integrated with deepening political support for selected ruling parties and the promotion of CCP security norms and governance practices.
Chinese state-owned firms are active stakeholders in an estimated 78 ports across 32 African countries as builders, financiers, or operators. Chinese firms are present in over a third of Africa’s maritime trade hubs — a significantly greater presence than anywhere else in the world. China’s expansive port development opens the door for China to repurpose commercial ports for military activities.
China has also gained a dominant position in Africa’s critical minerals sector. Of 166 Chinese-owned mining projects globally, 66 are in Africa, more than in any other region. This dominance often inhibits resource-rich African countries from advancing up the value chain.
africacenter.org/spotlight/2025