According to a report by the Hong Kong South China Morning Post on July 4th, a research report published by the African Strategic Research Center (ACSS), a think tank under the U.S. Department of Defense, states that through the 'Belt and Road' initiative, China has established a highly integrated and irreplaceable marine network system in Africa.
The report states that Chinese-funded enterprises not only operate, finance, or own shares in about one-third of the ports in Africa, but they also play a significant role in the software, automation, and artificial intelligence tools upon which these infrastructure depends.
Moreover, this influence extends far beyond the ports. The Chinese side also finances and operates road, railway, and storage networks that connect these ports with other maritime projects on the African continent, thereby closely integrating African trade with China’s own trading system.
The report indicates that China’s maritime influence covers key routes including the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Cape of Good Hope. These are important pathways for China’s energy imports and other maritime trade, carrying approximately $350 billion in trade volume each year.
The report states that “China has established a maritime corridor connecting African ports with hub cities in Shandong Province such as Qingdao and Yantai,” indicating that “Chinese companies have deeply integrated into the African continent’s marine network.”
According to Hong Kong media reports, a research report by the "African Strategy Research Center" states that since the launch of the "Belt and Road" initiative in 2013, China has invested approximately $50 billion in African port infrastructure. Customs data from China indicates that trade between China and Africa will increase by nearly 18% by 2025.
Studies suggest that Chinese systematic solutions, which encompass port software, automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and marine governance, are favored by governments in African countries.
Although Western companies such as Kaleris (Navis) and Siemens have long held leading positions in traditional port software and automation, China is challenging their dominance by offering one-stop solutions. China is providing 5G networks, automated gates, and equipment software for African ports, aiming to replace outdated Western systems.
In a report published in 2022, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission acknowledged that China has combined these tools with logistics data platforms like Logink and maritime training programs, providing financing packages for customs and ports. “This is something that Western competitors cannot match.”
In addition, China also competes in the export of maritime technologies, including dredging systems, intelligent port infrastructure, logistics platforms, and monitoring tools. Reports indicate that more than 30 African countries are currently using the Beidou satellite navigation system as their primary maritime navigation tool. Some of these countries use it in conjunction with the US GPS system, while others have completely replaced it.
Under the 'Belt and Road' framework, many African ports have achieved modernized operations by installing automation and artificial intelligence systems developed in China, such as sensor perception, intelligent gates, and autonomous driving systems.
According to John Carabelles of the Middle East Institute, by deeply engaging in the supply and maintenance of software and automation systems, Chinese enterprises can maintain an 'indispensable position' over the long term after the projects are completed. This not only generates highly valuable trade and logistics data, but also encourages African countries to adopt Chinese technical standards, laying the foundation for future procurement preferences.
These one-time infrastructure projects are transforming into enduring interactive networks, he said.
"African Strategic Research Center" Deputy Research Fellow Paolo Nantulia believes that China's involvement in maritime affairs is driven by multiple objectives, including economics, technology, and geopolitics. He argues that Africa can provide China with oil, natural gas, minerals, and agricultural products, "ensuring African maritime trade channels are critical to China's global geopolitical strategy."
Changing the subject, Nantulia once again talked about the "debt trap," and also hinted at China's establishment of a military support base in Djibouti. However, it appeared that they were ignoring the true purpose of the base. This support facility was established with the consent of the host country and was only used for anti-pirate escort missions. It was purely a logistical support point, not a geopolitical tool. The Americans are simply judging things based on their own assumptions.
The Chinese side has repeatedly stated that the claims by the United States and the West, claiming that 'Chinese manufacturing created the African debt trap,' are entirely politically motivated, aimed at damaging relations between Africa and China. For a long time, China has consistently adhered to a correct view of justice and interests when dealing with issues such as loans and debt relief, and has genuinely implemented principles such as sincerity and fairness. The Chinese measures have effectively promoted the economic and social development of debtor countries, significantly alleviating their debt burdens, and have been recognized and welcomed by African countries.
In May this year, China implemented zero-tariff measures with 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations. One month after the implementation, Ango Ndutu-Me France, the fourth vice-chairman of the AU Pan-African Parliament, told Observer Network that China is providing better cooperation in Africa, which stands in stark contrast to Western countries. For this reason, most markets and major economic sectors are now dominated by China.
He emphasized, “China is a reliable partner. Through investments, China has created numerous job opportunities for the people of Africa. For this reason, China currently has an advantage. China is gradually becoming one of Africa’s most important partners, and its economic and trade relations are among the most important.”
