China's Next Move: A Naval Base in the South Atlantic?
"DESPITE the Chinese government and the Namibian defence ministry refuting 'rumours' of China's plan to build a naval base at Walvis Bay, a confidential letter from Namibia's ambassador to China, Ringo Abed, to Namibia's foreign ministry clearly states that “a [Chinese] delegation will visit Namibia ... for discussions ... on the way forward regarding plans for the proposed naval base in Walvis Bay”. from THE NAMIBIAN
Subsequent reports of these pending talks indicate a Chinese delegation including technical staff will visit Namibia for discussion on establishing a Chinese naval base in this formerly British naval bastion shortly. Presently British warship access plays a vital role in the continuing defense of the Falklands. With the Russians having a naval base in Argentina, a Chinese naval base in the south of Africa places the Falklands between a rock and a hard place if the Chinese decide to collude with Argentina and Russia in retaking the Falklands, an event that seems likely. Argentina and Namibia appear slated to become Russian and Chinese colonies respectively, and the Monroe Doctrine died the day the Obama White House received its new occupants.
"China's Indian Ocean-based "string of pearls" naval base strategy to protect the country's 21st Century vision of a "maritime silk road" looks like it may now extend all the way to the South Atlantic. If such a development came to fruition, it would have major strategic implications for the West." READ MORE AT: REAL CLEAR DEFENSE
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