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API-Africa

US-China rivalry for military influence in Africa ramps up

While the U.S. was forced to downsize and pull its troops out of Niger this year, China is increasing its military

cooperation on the continent, recently announcing a plan to spend $140 million to train 6,000 military personnel

— a move, a U.S. defense official said Friday, was for China’s “own economic growth and benefit.” Among the

many ways that the U.S. and China are competing for influence in Africa, analysts say military cooperation on the

continent is one that is seeing rising rivalry between the two superpowers. At a summit that focused on

China-Africa cooperation last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping made the pledge to train the 6,000 military

personnel. He also invited 500 African officers to visit China. China has been cooperating with Africa in several

areas of security for years, including participating in U.N. peacekeeping missions, holding joint military drills, and

providing training and education for officers. However, analysts said the latest announcement was particularly

noteworthy. Voice of America.