China in Nigeria
Abstract
China's involvement in Africa continues to be a security concern of the United States, and nowhere is China more relevant in Africa than in Nigeria. With the continent's second largest economy, 160 million potential customers, and abundant natural resources, Nigeria is a regional power and China is finding increasing opportunity there. An examination of China's military, economic, and cultural dealings with Nigeria show that China is supplanting the United States as the nation with the most influence in Nigeria. China's and the United States' strategic goals in Africa are similar, but their methods for achieving those goals differ. The United States focuses its African policy on democracy, good governance, and human rights, while China's policy is focused on resources and commerce. Nigeria benefits from the combination of these complementary approaches. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has been slow to react to opportunities presented by China's involvement in Nigeria. AFRICOM's lukewarm policy towards China is inadequate for the dynamic changes seizing Nigeria and the rest of Africa. U.S. security interests will be better served by AFRICOM taking a more active posture towards cooperation with China in Africa.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 02, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA570334
Entities
People
- Mark A. Mcdowell
Organizations
- Naval War College