Is Africa becoming a ‘testing ground’ for Chinese power projection?
- Posted on September 19, 2026
- By South China Morning Post
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
China's military presence across Africa continues to expand through strategic defense partnerships and joint training operations. Recent PLA exercises involving advanced fighter jets demonstrate Beijing's growing commitment to establishing military capabilities on the continent. These initiatives reflect decades of diplomatic and strategic investments, positioning Africa as a critical arena for Chinese geopolitical influence and technological demonstration of military prowess.
Summary auto-generated by AI from the original publisher's content. Editorial standards.
Is Africa becoming a ‘testing ground’ for Chinese power projection?
PLA pilots trained against Rafales in the latest joint exercise, reflecting a decades-long expansion of activity on the continent.
