blown out of proportion?

China’s warships off Nigeria show growing military footprint in Africa

By Ben Ezeamalu

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Posted on July 10, 2023 11:54

© Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun at the commissioning of Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria, earlier this year. REUTERS — Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun at the commissioning of Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria, earlier this year. REUTERS

Three Chinese warships led by a destroyer arrived in the waters off Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, on 2 June, in a friendly visit that draws attention to China’s expanding military presence on the continent.

The fleet comprised MSL Destroyer Nanning, MSL Frigate Sanya and supply ship Weishanhu. Only the destroyer berthed for a port call through 6 July, according to the Nigerian Navy, who said the visit would strengthen relations between Nigeria and China.

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