As the U.S. adjusts its military strategy in Africa, China is simultaneously expanding its influence in space, posing a challenge to long-standing American dominance in this critical domain. These shifts suggest an evolving global landscape where traditional power structures are being tested.
US Realignment in Africa
The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) is reportedly reconfiguring its presence in West Africa, retreating to coastal areas and seeking to establish drone bases in countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin. This realignment comes after military coups in the Sahel region, which have led to the expulsion of French troops and the hiring of Russian mercenaries by some nations. These events have complicated the ability of the U.S. to provide intelligence and security assistance in the region, leading to a revised strategy focusing on coastal West African states.
A senior U.S. military official stated that the U.S. now views countries like Mali and Burkina Faso as being beyond Western reach due to the strong presence of Islamist militants. The U.S. is adopting an “outside-in” approach to address threats in the Sahel, relying on partnerships with countries more willing to collaborate. This shift may also result in a reduced U.S. ability to counter insurgents, potentially creating a vacuum that authoritarian powers like China and Russia could exploit.
China’s Ascendance in Space
While the U.S. adjusts its African strategy, China is making significant strides in space exploration and technology. China’s space program has seen considerable advancement, including the operational Tiangong space station and plans to send taikonauts to the Moon. The country has also demonstrated capabilities to destroy satellites and threaten U.S. forces with hypersonic missiles.
China’s growing space influence extends to Africa, where it has invested in space technologies and infrastructure. For example, China has been involved in building a satellite production facility in Egypt and has provided space technologies to other African nations. While these collaborations offer opportunities for technological advancement in Africa, they also raise concerns about China’s increasing influence and its potential to gather sensitive data.
Competition and Challenges
The U.S. Air Force recognizes that American military dominance is no longer assured. A U.S. Department of the Air Force report envisions a transformed military force by 2050, emphasizing the importance of space, AI, and long-range precision strikes to counter China’s growing military capabilities.
The U.S. and China are competing for dominance in key regions of Earth orbit, particularly Lagrange points, which are crucial locations for deep space observation and potential gateways to Mars and beyond. The U.S. Congress has been urged to fund programs that counter China’s ambitions in space, including ensuring that the U.S. is the first country to permanently station assets at all Lagrange Points.
To maintain its leadership in space, experts suggest that the U.S. should engage China in a constructive dialogue on the responsible and peaceful use of space, while also investing in protecting and defending U.S. interests in space.
