Nigeria has just allowed a Chinese communist arms factory to set up shop on their soil, while America’s influence continues its embarrassing global retreat thanks to Obama-era policies.
At a Glance
- Nigeria signed a major arms deal with Chinese state weapons manufacturer NORINCO to build ammunition factories on Nigerian soil
- The agreement includes technology transfers, military hardware upgrades, and training for Nigerian defense personnel
- Nigeria’s turn toward China began during Obama’s presidency when U.S. restricted military aid due to human rights concerns
- China offers military assistance without “strings attached” regarding human rights or democracy
- The deal represents another strategic loss for American influence in Africa as China expands its military footprint
Communist China’s Military Foothold in Nigeria
While America continues its obsession with funding endless wars in Ukraine and looking the other way at our border invasion, China is methodically expanding its military influence across Africa. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has just signed a comprehensive arms deal with China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), a Chinese state-owned weapons manufacturer. This isn’t just any arms deal – it’s a full-blown agreement to build ammunition factories, transfer military technology, and train Nigerian forces on Chinese equipment.
The scope of this agreement is staggering. According to reports, the deal encompasses “the construction of ammunition production lines, maintenance and upgrades of military hardware, servicing of battle tanks and military engineering services,” along with “technology transfers and training for Nigerian defense personnel.” Manufacturing facilities will be established in Kaduna and Kachia to produce various ammunition types, including 7.62×51mm ball cartridges, 7.62×51mm blank cartridges, and 9×19mm pistol ammunition. Make no mistake – this is China buying influence with bullets and bombs.
When America Abandoned Its Allies
Nigeria’s pivot to China didn’t happen overnight. It began during the Obama administration, when the United States chose to limit military support to Nigeria based on the Leahy Laws, which restrict assistance to foreign forces accused of human rights violations. While these laws exist for understandable reasons, the practical effect was that Nigeria couldn’t get the help it needed to fight Boko Haram terrorists who were slaughtering thousands of civilians. America chose virtue signaling over pragmatic security partnerships.
“China has significantly expanded its military presence and influence in Africa over the past two decades, and has recently signed a deal to establish a military hardware production facility in Nigeria, further strengthening its strategic ties with the continent.” – Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle.
Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari didn’t mince words when he accused the Obama administration of having “aided and abetted the Boko Haram terrorists in the prosecution of its extremist ideology and hate.” The frustration is understandable – while Washington lectured about human rights, Nigerian citizens were being slaughtered, and their government couldn’t get the weapons needed to protect them. No wonder they turned to partners who don’t attach endless moral conditions to defense cooperation.
The Chinese “No-Strings” Approach
The Chinese have mastered the art of offering exactly what developing nations want: support without sermons. Unlike America’s foreign policy establishment, which can’t stop lecturing other countries about democracy and human rights even while our own southern border collapses, China offers technology transfers, weapons systems, and military training without demanding political reforms or adherence to Western values. It’s a straightforward transaction that many nations find refreshing after decades of conditional American support.
“covers the construction of ammunition production lines, maintenance and upgrades of military hardware, servicing of battle tanks and military engineering services,” as well as “technology transfers and training for Nigerian defense personnel.” – The South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The Chinese package for Nigeria includes advanced systems like high-energy laser counter-drone technologies and the Sky Dragon air defense system. They’ve also incorporated Nigeria into the “Peace Unity-2024” project, which focuses on military training, joint exercises, and defense equipment sharing. While America has been busy funding gender studies programs in Pakistan and climate initiatives in Congo, China has been building military factories and training soldiers. Who do you think will have more influence in Africa a decade from now?
America’s Strategic Blunders
This deal represents another strategic loss for American influence globally. While our State Department issues strongly worded statements about democratic values, China is establishing military footholds across an entire continent rich in resources and strategic locations. The Nigerian arrangement follows similar Chinese military initiatives in Djibouti, Zimbabwe, and other African nations. It’s a systematic approach to securing influence through pragmatic security partnerships that address immediate needs rather than long-term ideals.
The Biden administration continues the failed approach of his former boss, squandering American influence while emptying our strategic reserves to fund proxy wars that benefit defense contractors more than American citizens. Meanwhile, China builds actual factories, trains actual soldiers, and creates lasting partnerships without apology or shame. Until America’s foreign policy establishment recognizes that nations care more about security and sovereignty than adopting progressive Western values, we’ll continue watching our influence evaporate across the developing world.
