2021-07-31-国际战略研究中心-个人关系_衡量中国和美国与非洲安全主管的接触（英）_13页_1mb

U.S. vs. China Engagement with African Security Chiefs

• The U.S. engages more frequently with African security chiefs, targeting naval leaders and activities in West Africa, while China's interactions are multilateral and concentrated in southern Africa, with a preference for ceremonial and low-impact engagements.

• China's ties with African security chiefs are at an inflection point, potentially shifting due to evolving African relationships and competition with the U.S., including increased focus on activities in the South China Sea and response to border tensions.

• U.S. recommendations include prioritizing engagements with army and police chiefs, investing in education for long-term ties, improving media outreach through public events and collaborations, engaging young and retired officials, and broadening partnerships with African institutions and non-African governments to reinforce strategic objectives.

Key Differences and Similarities

• U.S. strengths lie in personal ties and comprehensive security approaches, while China emphasizes deal-making and multilateral partnerships. Both countries favor low-impact engagements—around 60% of activities—though the U.S. includes more training, whereas China relies on ceremonies.

• Engagement peaked for China in 2019 before declining, likely due to COVID-19 and regional shifts, while the U.S. maintains consistent ties. The study highlights that both nations face challenges in media influence and may underperform in certain subregions like Francophone Africa.

Strategic Recommendations

• U.S. should pursue full-spectrum objectives in Africa, not just compete with China, by increasing training in military education, embedding journalists in exercises, hosting joint trainings with allies like India, and exploring partnerships with NGOs and private sector entities to deepen ties and address African security needs effectively.