I read the other day that the USA was concerned about China seeking its first military base in Djibouti.
It seems rather timely to ring the bell at a base, that according to our Wikipedia friends, was already there in 2016. It seems that the are just increasing their presense with more development.
Of course, with tensions rising with China/Taiwan and Russia eyeing the Ukraine, there is wariness as to what happens if both countries decide to take an action, what if it happens in a synchronised way? They are giving "neutral" signals to each other so we cannot rule that as a possibility.
With the USA debt increasing to the point that no ceiling will be required as they will be in financial orbit by that time.
Most Western nations are faring no better as the "pandemic" has really pushed budgets/deficits into vertical territory.
China's Evergrande capitulating and most likely dragging the derivatives down with it. Hopefully, the buckets being used by friends is deep enough to keep the water out long enough.
I had thought that the Pandemic would give enough currency & control to avoid a war - but maybe it is more than just health?
I didn't know where Djibouti was. I didn't know its history, its form of Government and how did China get involved. So, let's do a quick rundown.
Like most African Nations, Djibouti, is a very small nation with a relatively small population. Its Government doesn't tend to score well on the Human Rights side of things.
However, a major strength is in its strong relations with neighbouring states, as well as, France and the USA.
Courting China could be a calculated strategic move as it brings another suitor to the table and puts Djibouti in good stead if global fortunes change.
China holds over 70% of Djibouti's debt. That should send some worrisome signals to many as China is in a position to possibly control infrastructure if a country defaults.
I had never heard of Djibouti, but if I was a growing global power and wanted to really perturb the competition, then I would definately want to saddle up with Djibouti.
Africa is resource rich for my hungry nation. It is near rich oil fields of the turbulent Middle East.
It also detracts from my other activities around the place, especially, my control of the South China Sea.
China is looking after its geo-strategic and geo-economic interests.
The move away from its non-interference policy means that China's involvement in the Middle East is a possibility.
Other sources;
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1038215.pdf
https://theprint.in/opinion/djibouti-story-resembles-hambantota-has-the-same-chinese-script/639249/
https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2021/12/05/new-project-to-support-the-emergence-of-a-digital-economy-in-djibouti/
