Does China Control Africa?

China’s Belt and Road initiative—sometimes called the New Silk Road—has expanded ports and airports, railroads, power generation, and other infrastructure in many locations across the globe. But to what extent is China’s global influence growing? Consider Africa.

China now has the world’s largest navy and is creating ports around Africa capable of docking its naval ships. Satellite imagery reveals that “Beijing has transformed ports across the continent over the past decade—from Lekki in Nigeria to Mombasa in Kenya. The civilian ports, which are often run by Chinese state-owned firms, are designed not just for trade but also to accommodate warships” (Telegraph, February 4, 2026). This expansion has resulted in the creation of ports that can operate as military bases “capable of landing warships near key maritime routes.” According to a United States government-linked think tank, Chinese state-owned companies are now involved in 78 ports in 32 countries in Africa. China is using these ports to create “‘sanction-proof’ supply lines” that allow for the extraction of important resources, and it also recently extended zero-tariffs on imports from 53 African nations (Business Insider Africa, February 14, 2026).  While it is not necessarily looking to control this region of the world, China is acting as a rival to the West.

So, what is the future of China? Will it be the next hegemon? The Bible provides interesting insights into China’s future. You can learn more about this important subject by reading or listening to “China, Democracy, and Christianity.”