Executive summary:
Political changes in West Africa in recent years have led to a sudden end of French military presence. It is not just Russia that has expanded its clout. Beijing engages closely with the new juntas in West Africa. This includes a role for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
To understand the PLA’s role, we need to understand its background as a party army. Direct control by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) means the PLA is tasked with implementing the Party’s broader conceptualisation of the military sphere. This serves a distinct vision of international security embodied by the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Under this umbrella, Beijing offers much-welcome cooperation on internal security the European Union (EU) can study.
In practical military terms, PLA presence in West Africa is limited. There are some port visits, joint exercises, and concerns about security in the Gulf of Guinea. China has, however, overtaken Russia as Africa’s biggest weapons supplier. Beijing is now expanding sales in West African countries as France is on the retreat. In this arena it is hard for the EU to compete, because of local perceptions of an overbearing Europe and EU objections based on its own interests and values.
Beijing’s active military diplomacy and publicity efforts showcase China’s story in the region. Concrete contributions and personal attention are well-received. Through professional military education (PME) and a variety of diplomatic platforms, Chinese values can have durable influence on conceptualisation of security. Europe is not equally effective in selling its offering.
China’s growing heft in West Africa has implications for nearby Europe. The EU’s response needs to face both its public perception in the region as well as the unique facets of the PRC’s military. Only in this way can the EU ensure European interests.
Moving forward, the EU should:
- Counter China’s expanded definition of the military arena – Adopt more realistic EU strategic communication, recognise China’s information warfare.
- Signal the hard limits of legitimate European security interests clearly– Communicate the EU’s limits clearly to China and West Africa; include the region in the continent’s defence review.
- Step up military diplomacy with West African countries– Support regional organisations, give personal attention, and offer practical security cooperation for internal challenges and piracy.
Stay tuned with us by reading more: ReConnectChina Policy Brief 25-West Africa