Is Africa becoming a ‘testing ground’ for Chinese power projection?

AI Summary

China deployed six J-16 fighter jets to Egypt for joint exercises, marking their first such deployment in Africa. This demonstration of long-range power projection included training against French Rafale fighters and showcased China's ability to conduct extended air operations and refueling overseas, reflecting an expansion of Chinese military influence on the continent.

Six Chinese J-16 fighter jets arrived in Egypt last month for a joint exercise in what was the aircraft’s first known deployment in Africa. In Egyptian airspace, Chinese pilots had the rare chance to train against the Rafale, an advanced French-built fighter. The 6,000km (3,700-mile) deployment was completed in about nine hours with aerial refuelling, and tested China’s ability to move and support a combat-capable air package far from home. Analysts say the exercise reflects a decades-long...