defense officials said they worried that such a base could threaten U.S. We need all the corporations we can get to be able to respond to the various security challenges across our country and the region," Omeje said.Ĭhinese and Nigerian flags fly on a Chinese Navy Task Group 162 warship on a visit to Nigeria at Apapa harbor in Lagos, on July 4, 2023.Ĭhina has been investing heavily in infrastructure in Africa, including Nigeria, for many years and Nigeria is one of China's top crude oil suppliers.īut the visit comes amid speculation that Beijing could be seeking to establish a naval base in the Gulf of Guinea. China has been a very important key partner to Nigeria. "It is important that Nigeria holds on to such relationship because we can't really get stuck on Western relationships alone, we have to broaden our reach. Security analyst Chidi Omeje says it is a welcome development and an opportunity for Nigeria and Africa to address security issues. The Nigerian Navy and Chinese Embassy on Monday said the five-day visit signified growing relations between Beijing and Africa, with the goal of tackling maritime security threats and maintaining stability in the Gulf of Guinea. Three warships of China's People's Liberation Army fleet arrived at Nigeria's economic hub, Lagos, on Sunday, bringing about 700 sailors. ABUJA, NIGERIA - The Chinese navy is making a port call in Nigeria this week in a rare visit to West Africa, where Beijing has been seeking to expand its influence.
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