Washington’s Top Diplomat for Africa Presumably Asked the Equatorial Guineans to Put the Kibosh on a Future Chinese Military Base

A high-level U.S. delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee speaking with Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

U.S. government officials regularly criticize China for embracing African dictators in pursuit of Beijing’s strategic interests, so it was a tad ironic to see photos and videos late last week of a high-level American delegation led by Washington’s top diplomat Molly Phee so warmly received in an ornate palace by an African dictator who they’re hoping will play to their interests.

Phee was joined by an entourage of U.S. military and national security officials for a visit with Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to presumably persuade him not to allow the construction of a Chinese military base in his country.

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by Eric Olander

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