AFRICOM Nominee: Russia, China Making Major Strategic Inroads in Africa by John Grady – USNI News
As Russia and China are increasing their economic and political influence on Africa’s economic and political development the expense of United States interests, the general tapped to head African Command told senators Tuesday.
Violent terrorists are the most substantial immediate threat, but Army Gen. Stephen Townsend said, “Africa will be shaped by the increased presence of foreign actors … Russia and China.”
In his estimation, Beijing’s telecommunications infrastructure work on the continent is the most significant long-term security threat — through its technological strength in telecommunications. Russia, meanwhile, is pushing military might into Sub-Sahariaj.
Beijing’s and Moscow’s “goals [in Africa from military aid to infrastructure investment] are to our detriment,” he said.
Citing Huawei, the giant Chinese telecommunications firm promising to deliver 5G networks the length and breadth of the continent, Townsend said it was “imperative” for any regional commander to “protect our networks,” a task made increasingly difficult if a foreign power can control the flow of information…