Chinese Warships On Port Call In Nigeria

Three Chinese warships are visiting Nigeria as part of growing naval co-operation between the two countries, officials revealed on Monday.

The visit comes after US defence officials last year expressed concern over Chinese plans for a military base on West Africa’s Atlantic coast.

China is a major investor in infrastructure projects in Nigeria, including in the recently opened Lekki deep sea port beside the economic capital Lagos.

China’s Escort Task Group 162 comprising three ships got to Nigeria after escorting a Chinese merchant vessel from the Gulf of Aden, according to Nigeria’s navy.

“They are on port call on completion of task before heading home. The visit is to improve diplomacy,” Nigeria’s navy spokesman Commodore Ayo Vaughan said.

“They hope the visit will strengthen ties between the two navies.”

One of the three ships, the destroyer Nanning, berthed in Lagos and the three will leave on Wednesday, the Chinese embassy in Nigeria stated.

Last year, General Stephen J. Townsend, commander of the US Africa Command, told Congress the US military was bothered about China opening a naval base on Africa’s coast.

“As a first priority, we need to prevent or deter a Chinese space on the Atlantic coast of Africa,” he said.