China Builds Spy Hub 6 Miles From US Base in Djibouti as Xi Visit Nears

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 21

CSIS satellite imagery shows China has added antennas, satellite communications gear, probable 5G towers and a radome at its Djibouti base, creating what analysts say is a new surveillance hub near Camp Lemonnier.
The report says the upgraded site could intercept signals, track naval movements and feed Beijing a stronger regional operating picture from the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint, which carries nearly 16% of global maritime trade.
China’s only acknowledged overseas base sits less than 6 miles from the main US military base in Africa, which costs about $66 million a year and also operates near French, Italian and Japanese installations.
Beijing said it was unaware of the specific allegations, while former US officials said the findings could sharpen scrutiny of Chinese intelligence activities ahead of Xi Jinping’s Sept. 24 White House visit.
The proximity adds to a history of friction in Djibouti, including a 2018 laser incident involving US pilots, and underscores how Red Sea security and oil routes are feeding US-China rivalry.