China’s Surveillance Expansion in the Red Sea Raises Concerns

Beijing has turned the Red Sea into a major surveillance hub, according to a former Pentagon official. This comes after a recent report highlighted China’s military upgrades just six miles from a key U.S. military base in Djibouti, Africa, which generates $66 million a year.

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reported on new Chinese facilities that enhance the country’s ability to monitor nearby military activities. However, the report clarified that it was unclear if China actively intercepts communications.

A defense expert warned that these developments could strain U.S.-China relations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to the White House on September 24. Beijing’s intelligence gathering is already under scrutiny.

Morgan Murphy, a former Trump White House official, emphasized China’s construction of eavesdropping facilities. The significance of having China’s only overseas base so close to the U.S. base in Djibouti underscores their strategic intentions.

“Beijing has clearly wiretapped the Red Sea,” Murphy stated, noting their construction of a large satellite dish hidden by a dome.

CSIS identified a southeastern facility with a control building, antennas for various frequencies, and several satellite dishes. These installations are likely part of a larger command architecture that enhances China’s surveillance capabilities in the region.

The CSIS report showed that China’s military has added antennas, satellite equipment, and signals intelligence at its Djibouti base. This base is strategically located near Camp Lemonnier, the main U.S. counterterrorism hub in Africa.

Murphy pointed out that while the U.S. has numerous bases worldwide, China has strategically placed its only overseas presence near a critical global trade route. Beijing’s facilities allow them to gather intelligence on regional operations, which may become a topic during Xi’s visit to the U.S.

Past incidents, like China’s alleged use of military-grade lasers on U.S. pilots in 2018, highlight ongoing tensions. The Pentagon had previously accused China of targeting American pilots, causing injury, an accusation China denied.

Murphy noted that China strategically placed their base near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for global maritime trade. Chinese interference aligns with their strategic interests, as they rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil transported through these sea routes.

While Murphy acknowledged that China does not currently have the naval capability to project power worldwide, he warned that they are working toward this goal. Maintaining a ready posture remains essential to mitigate future threats.

Emma Bussey, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.