What is China doing in Djibouti?

China’s engagement in Djibouti is multifaceted, ranging from major infrastructure investments to China’s first overseas military base, established in 2017.

Does China own Djibouti?

Djibouti—a small country in the Horn of Africa that hosts the only permanent U.S. military base on the African continent—has transformed itself over the past two decades into a regional trade and logistics hub, with the People’s Republic of China (PRC, or China) as its largest investor.

How many 5G base stations will China build in 2025?

China plans to construct over 4.5 million 5G base stations in 2025 while introducing additional policy and financial incentives to support industries expected to shape the next decade, the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced during its annual work conference.

Is Djibouti part of China's Belt & Road Initiative?

Djibouti is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to develop China-centered global infrastructure, transportation, trade, and production networks (see CRS In Focus IF11735, China’s “One Belt, One Road” Initiative: Economic Issues).

Does Djibouti have a military base?

Djibouti signed a defense agreement with China in 2014, facilitating the PLAN’s use of Djibouti’s port, and in 2016, China began to build “support facilities” there as a base for naval rest and resupply.

Does China have a foreign policy in Djibouti?

China’s growing engagement in Djibouti is emblematic of its shift since 2000 toward a more expansive foreign policy in Africa and beyond (see CRS In Focus IF12566, China and Sub-Saharan Africa).