China has reportedly enhanced its military capabilities near a U.S. base in Djibouti, raising concerns about surveillance and tensions ahead of a key diplomatic meeting.
China has upgraded its military base near Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, transforming the Red Sea into a potential surveillance hub, according to a former Pentagon official. This development comes as a new report from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlights significant enhancements to China’s military presence just six miles from the U.S. military installation, which costs approximately $66 million annually to operate.
The CSIS report outlines new facilities that may enable the Chinese military to monitor nearby military activities. However, it also notes that it is unclear whether China is actively intercepting communications. Morgan Murphy, a former Trump administration official and press secretary for former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, emphasized that these developments could escalate tensions in U.S.-China relations, particularly with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to visit the White House on September 24.
“What China is clearly doing is building eavesdropping capabilities. That seems to be their aim,” Murphy stated. He pointed to the construction of a large satellite dish covered by a dome, suggesting that it is designed to obscure its direction and purpose. Murphy praised the CSIS report for its thorough research, noting that the specifics provided reflect a deep understanding of the situation.
The report identifies a large southeastern facility that includes a control building, three 30-meter dipole antennas for high-frequency communications, two smaller antennas for very and ultra-high frequencies, three mobile satellite dishes, four probable 5G towers, and a “radome” covering an unidentified asset. Additionally, CSIS highlighted two new communications facilities that have emerged since 2024, which are likely part of a command architecture that enhances China’s ability to intercept signals, track naval movements, and communicate with Beijing while monitoring foreign militaries in the region.
“This isn’t a supply depot — it’s a 50-yard line seat over America’s power projection and the U.S. Navy,” Murphy remarked. He contrasted the military presence of the United States, which operates 128 bases in over 51 countries, with China’s single overseas base. He noted the strategic significance of the location, just a few miles from Camp Lemonnier, which oversees a critical chokepoint for global maritime trade.
Murphy drew historical parallels, stating, “Great powers don’t plant listening posts next to rival fleets for ‘logistics.'” He likened China’s actions to past military strategies, such as Britain’s control of Gibraltar and Japan’s radio installations, suggesting that Beijing is following a similar playbook in the Red Sea.
In response to the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jian claimed that China is “unaware of the specific situation” and characterized the nation as a “builder of international peace.” However, the new facilities provide China with enhanced situational awareness of regional operations, according to Reuters.
The timing of the report is particularly sensitive, as it coincides with Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to the White House. Murphy speculated that the issue of China’s surveillance capabilities would likely be raised during discussions, noting that Chinese leadership may not be accustomed to facing tough questions from the press.
Former President Donald Trump recently acknowledged China’s intelligence efforts, stating that both nations engage in espionage. His comments followed a report linking a Chinese entity to high-resolution satellite imagery used by Iran prior to a missile attack on U.S. troops in Jordan. “They basically do what we do,” Trump remarked, adding that both countries spy on each other.
Murphy reiterated that espionage is a common practice among nations, both allies and adversaries. He cautioned that while nations may gather intelligence, the real concern arises when that information is utilized. He emphasized that while China may keep tabs on U.S. activities, it currently lacks the capability to project power on the same scale as the United States.
The proximity of China’s facility to U.S. operations raises significant concerns. Located less than six miles from Camp Lemonnier, which serves as the primary U.S. counterterrorism hub in Africa, the site is also near French, Italian, and Japanese military installations. Murphy recalled a 2018 incident in which Chinese lasers were directed at U.S. pilots landing at Camp Lemonnier, causing lasting damage. Although Beijing denied the allegations, the incident highlighted the potential for friction between military forces operating in close proximity.
“China has one overseas base. The United States has more than 128 — by some counts, over 700 installations around the world,” Murphy noted. He emphasized the strategic importance of China’s decision to establish its only overseas base so close to a U.S. installation in Djibouti, which is critical for American military operations in the region.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for nearly 16% of global maritime trade, has seen increased military activity due to various regional tensions, including Houthi attacks and pipeline disruptions. Murphy explained that China’s interference in this area aligns with its strategic interests, as the nation is heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil imports, which account for approximately one-third of its daily needs.
“Having intelligence is one thing, but you must have the ability to act on it. You need assets in the region,” Murphy stated. He acknowledged that while China is rapidly developing its military capabilities, it currently lacks a blue-water navy capable of projecting power beyond its immediate region. However, he cautioned that this gap is closing, and the U.S. must remain vigilant in addressing potential threats.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Chinese Embassy for comment.