Chinese Geoeconomics and Geostrategic Motives in a Changing International Order: Understanding the Significance of a Chinese Military Base in Djibouti

This study examines the geoeconomic and geostrategic motives behind China's military base establishment in Djibouti. It examines the motives from a geo-economic perspective, considering the economic interests and opportunities afforded by a military presence in the Horn of Africa. It then discusses the geostrategic motives, looking at the implications for global power dynamics, the militarization of China-Africa development partnerships, the securing of China's oil resources, the facilitation of Chinese peacekeeping forces, the confrontation of terrorist groups, the combating of piracy, and the inauguration of a Maritime Silk Road. Finally, it looks at the implications of China's Maritime Security Strategy as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. This includes the protection of the marine environment, cooperative development goals, maritime security alliances, promotion of knowledge and innovation in the fields of marine science research, and maritime governance. The methodology adopted for this paper is qualitative. This involves the analysis of primary and secondary sources to understand the motives behind China's move to establish a military base in Djibouti. Primary sources include official Chinese documents and statements from Chinese officials. Secondary sources include news reports, scholarly articles, and think tank reports. This analysis was conducted through a literature review of these sources. The literature was then analyzed to conclude China's motives for establishing a military base in Djibouti.