China’s Surveillance Activities Near U.S. Base in Africa Raise Concerns

Beijing has turned the Red Sea region into a surveillance hotspot, according to a warning by a former Pentagon official. A report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has revealed enhancements to China’s military presence only six miles from a significant U.S. military base in Djibouti, Africa. The U.S. base generates around $66 million annually.

The report from the Washington-based CSIS noted new facilities that could potentially allow the Chinese military to observe the activities of other militaries in the area. However, the report clarified that there is no definitive evidence that China is intercepting communications.

Defense experts suggest these developments could add new tension to U.S.-China relations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the White House scheduled for September 24. Beijing’s intelligence operations are under renewed examination.

Morgan Murphy, a former Trump White House official, indicated that China is likely building eavesdropping capabilities. Murphy highlighted the importance of China placing its only overseas base near a critical U.S. base.

“When you build a 100-foot-wide satellite dish and cover it with a dome, it’s clear there’s some clandestine objective,” Murphy stated.

The CSIS report identifies a large facility with control buildings, several antennas for high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency communications, mobile satellite dishes, 5G towers, and a radome housing an unknown asset.

Since 2024, additional communication facilities have appeared, forming part of a C4ISR command structure. This network expands China’s capability to intercept signals and track naval operations while communicating with its home command.

Murphy remarked that these developments offer China extensive insights into the region’s operational environment. Satellite images confirmed the installation of antennas, satellite equipment, and signals intelligence assets at China’s Djibouti base.

A major concern lies in the proximity of China’s base to Camp Lemonnier, a key U.S. counterterrorism hub in Africa. This site is near other international military bases, such as those of France, Italy, and Japan.

Murphy noted a past incident in 2018 where military-grade lasers were directed at U.S. pilots landing at Camp Lemonnier, which resulted in minor injuries. Despite Beijing’s dismissal of the claims, the event underscored potential military tensions.

China operates one overseas military base; the U.S. maintains over 128 bases worldwide. The strategic importance of China’s base location in Djibouti remains critical.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for about 16 percent of global maritime trade, is crucial. China’s interference in the region aligns with its strategic interests, particularly regarding oil supply lines.

Murphy pointed out that while China gathers intelligence, its ability to project military power is currently limited—particularly outside its immediate region.

Murphy emphasized the need for continuous vigilance, asserting that a ready posture is essential in subduing threats.

Fox News Digital has sought comments from the Chinese Embassy.