As China continues to expand its maritime presence globally, African ports have become crucial diplomatic hubs for the Chinese navy. In recent years, the Chinese Navy has conducted goodwill visits to multiple African ports, strengthening military ties, supporting peacekeeping efforts, and demonstrating its growing influence.

These port calls often align with broader diplomatic engagements, joint military exercises, and humanitarian missions. The increasing presence of Chinese warships in African waters underscores Beijing's strategic interest in securing maritime trade routes, deepening defense cooperation, and reinforcing its Belt and Road Initiative.

According to the Mapping China's Strategic Port Development in Africa report by the African Center for Strategic Studies, nearly half of the ports built or operated by Beijing in Africa possess the technical and structural capacity to accommodate Chinese naval fleets. Chinese state-owned enterprises are financing, constructing, or operating 78 ports across 32 African countries, accounting for 33% of Africa's total port projects.

West Africa has become the primary hub for Chinese-backed port developments, hosting 35 projects – more than any other region. Chinese firms hold significant stakes in three West African ports, sparking concerns over debt dependence and strategic control. The large-scale investments underscore China's deepening economic ties with Africa, sparking both opportunities for growth and concerns over debt dependence and strategic control.

The report highlights that while many of the 78 ports where Chinese firms are engaged are primarily commercial, some are constructed to accommodate or can be modified to berth vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy). Additionally, even ports that are not specifically built for military use have hosted PLA Navy ships during port calls or joint exercises.

The mention of specific African ports where the PLA Navy has docked illustrates China's growing military influence on the continent, complementing its economic and diplomatic engagements. The 10 African ports that have hosted the Chinese navy in recent years include Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), Gentil (Gabon), Casablanca (Morocco), Tamatave (Madagascar), Maputo (Mozambique), Tincan (Nigeria), Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo), Victoria (Seychelles), Durban (South Africa), and Simon's Town (South Africa).

Since 2000, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted 55 port calls and 19 bilateral and multilateral military exercises in Africa. These include the ports of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Lagos (Nigeria), Durban (South Africa), and Doraleh (Djibouti), with the latter hosting exercises involving landlocked Ethiopia.

Chinese troops have also utilized both naval and land facilities for various drills, including Tanzania's Kigamboni Naval Base, Mapinga Comprehensive Military Training Center, and Ngerengere Air Force Base – all constructed by Chinese firms. Similarly, Ethiopia's Awash Arba War Technical School has served this purpose, along with bases in other countries.

The implications of China's expanding military presence in Africa are multifaceted. While it could contribute to regional stability, it also raises concerns about China's economic and strategic interests in Africa. As China's military presence continues to grow, it is essential to monitor its implications for regional security and stability.

In conclusion, China's increasing presence in African ports underscores its strategic interest in securing maritime trade routes, deepening defense cooperation, and reinforcing its Belt and Road Initiative. As the implications of this expansion continue to unfold, it is crucial to monitor its effects on regional stability and security.