**Inside the Secretive US Military Base Where China and US Crossed Paths**.
Nestled amidst the towering mountains of Djibouti, a tiny country in the Horn of Africa, lies Camp Lemonnier, a sprawling military base that has become a key outpost for the United States in its strategic competition with China..
The base, established in 2002, initially served as a logistics hub for US operations in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. However, in recent years, it has taken on a new significance as a focal point of US efforts to counter China’s growing military presence in the region..
**A Strategic Crossroads**.
Djibouti’s strategic location at the southern entrance to the Red Sea has made it a critical transit point for global trade and energy supplies. The country is also home to a number of other foreign military bases, including those of China, France, and Japan..
For the US, Camp Lemonnier provides a vital foothold in the region, allowing it to monitor and respond to any potential threats to its interests. The base also serves as a base for counterterrorism operations and humanitarian missions..
**China’s Growing Influence**.
In recent years, China has made significant inroads in Djibouti, investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects and establishing a military base of its own. China’s growing presence has raised concerns in Washington, which fears that Beijing could use its military assets in Djibouti to disrupt US activities in the region..
**Tensions and Competition**.
The presence of both the US and China in Djibouti has created a complex and potentially volatile situation. Tensions between the two superpowers have simmered in recent months, particularly over issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea..
In July 2022, the US accused China of using lasers to target US military aircraft near Camp Lemonnier, an incident that further escalated tensions. China denied the allegations, but the incident highlighted the potential for miscalculation and conflict in the region..
**Seeking Cooperation**.
Despite the rivalry between the US and China, both countries have expressed a desire to avoid conflict in Djibouti. In 2021, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing the risk of misunderstandings and accidents..
However, the underlying tensions remain, and it is unclear whether the US and China can coexist peacefully in Djibouti over the long term. The future of Camp Lemonnier and the wider region will depend on the ability of the two superpowers to manage their competition without resorting to military conflict..
