The United States has warned Kenya against entering into an agreement with China that would see the latter set up military bases in the country.
Pentagon cautioned that China’s plans to send her military to Kenya would interfere with the American’s military operations in the country.
China was accused of countering the US by seeking to set up military logistics networks and facilities across East Africa.
“China has likely considered a number of countries, including Kenya, Angola, Tanzania and Seychelles as locations for setting up military facilities.
“They are seeking to establish a more robust overseas logistics and basing infrastructure to expand its military’s project and power,” Pentagon warned.
Washington further accused Beijing of harbouring ill motives behind the construction of military bases in Kenya. President Joe Biden administration's alleged that China wants to increase its influence over Kenya and also limit the US power and option in case of a conflict between the two superpowers.
China, nonetheless, refuted the reports arguing that the US was fueling propaganda to suit its own interest.
The Chinese administration stated that this was the second time Washington DC was issuing such an alert, having raised similar grievances a few years ago. This was after China launched a military base in Djibouti.
“Beyond its current base in Djibouti, China is very likely already considering and planning for additional overseas military logistics facilities to support naval, air, and ground forces,” the Pentagon stated in its annual “China Military Power” report to Congress.
Chinese navy marines with steel-plated vehicles and artillery support were deployed to Djibouti to counter US’s influence in the country. The US has a military base next to Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport.
The 400 Chinese soldiers are located seven kilometres from the US military base, which has nearly 4,000 American troops.
In Kenya, it uses the Lamu and Manda Bay bases to repress militant attacks. The United Kingdom also operates from Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
