The East African nation of Tanzania has reaped the benefits of a revitalized relationship with China. Beyond infrastructure development, the two countries have entered into a significant military cooperation agreement, a move highlighted by the establishment of a Chinese military base on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast. These developments signal the strengthening of the bilateral ties, which have been catalyzed by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s purposeful policy of “Looking East.” As this partnership grows, it raises questions about the geopolitical, economic, and environmental implications for both Tanzania and the wider East African region.
The Foundation of Tanzania-China Relations
Tanzania’s diplomatic and economic relations with China date back to the days of Julius Nyerere, the country’s first president. Nyerere, who led Tanzania under the banner of Ujamaa, or African socialism, forged close ties with China as part of his broader alignment with socialist nations during the Cold War era. Over the years, the two countries have maintained cordial relations, with China playing a crucial role in various development projects, most notably the TAZARA railway, which was built with Chinese support in the 1970s.
Under President John Pombe Magufuli, who led Tanzania until his untimely death in March 2021, Tanzania’s relationship with China continued to grow, although it was often overshadowed by Magufuli’s more populist and inward-looking policies. When Samia Suluhu Hassan took over as president, she signaled a shift in focus, intensifying efforts to strengthen ties with Beijing.
Suluhu’s approach, described by many as a “Looking East” policy, has opened the door for deeper cooperation in sectors beyond infrastructure, with military cooperation now becoming a key pillar of this relationship.
China’s Growing Footprint in Tanzania
One of the most significant recent developments in Tanzania-China relations is the establishment of a Chinese military base in Dar es Salaam, which represents China’s largest defense footprint on the African continent. This move, described as part of a broader effort to enhance maritime security and protect trade routes in the Indian Ocean, is emblematic of the strategic importance of Tanzania to China’s global ambitions.
China’s growing military presence in Tanzania, however, is just one aspect of a broader relationship that includes substantial economic cooperation. Over the past few years, China has become Tanzania’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with Chinese firms playing a central role in the development of major infrastructure projects, including roads, ports, and the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway, a transformative project aimed at modernizing Tanzania’s transport network.
According to diplomatic observers, the relationship between President Suluhu and Chinese Ambassador Cheng Mingjian has been a driving force behind these developments. Ambassador Cheng, who took up her post in December 2021, has played a key role in facilitating bilateral cooperation, especially in the military and security spheres. Her previous experience as Deputy Director-General of the Department of External Security Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given her a unique perspective on how to strengthen China’s influence in Tanzania.
Military and Economic Cooperation: Opportunities and Challenges
The establishment of a Chinese military base in Dar es Salaam is a clear sign of China’s growing strategic interests in East Africa, but it also raises concerns about the potential long-term implications for Tanzania’s sovereignty and its relationships with other global powers. While the Tanzanian government has touted the base as a means of enhancing security and protecting maritime trade routes, there are fears that it could make Tanzania a focal point of international competition, particularly between China and the United States.
The presence of Chinese military personnel in Tanzania may also have environmental consequences. Diplomatic sources have raised concerns about the potential for pollution and habitat destruction as a result of military activities, which could have lasting effects on local communities and ecosystems.
On the economic front, while China’s investments in Tanzania have created jobs and contributed to the country’s development, there are growing concerns about the long-term sustainability of this relationship. Tanzanian lawyer Mutatina Oswald has pointed out that while Chinese investments have brought much-needed infrastructure and technology to Tanzania, the country is also accumulating significant debt, which could have serious consequences for future generations. He notes that Chinese loans are often tied to strategic sectors, which raises questions about whether Tanzania will be able to maintain control over key industries in the long run.
The Social Dimension: Nostalgia for Ujamaa and the Subtle Revival of Socialism
Beyond the geopolitical and economic considerations, Tanzania’s relationship with China also has a social and cultural dimension. For many older Tanzanians who grew up during the era of Ujamaa, there is a sense of nostalgia for the country’s socialist past, which was closely aligned with China’s own political ideology. Julius Nyerere’s Ujamaa was rooted in the principles of collective self-reliance, and while it ultimately failed to deliver economic prosperity, it played a key role in shaping Tanzania’s social fabric and promoting unity among the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
Bradley Ouna, a law graduate from the University of Dar es Salaam, argues that China may be subtly exploiting this legacy to gain influence in Tanzania. He points out that the lack of a clear distinction between the state and the ruling party in both China and Tanzania creates an environment in which the Chinese model of governance could be more easily integrated into Tanzania’s political system.
This sentiment is not widely shared among younger Tanzanians, many of whom are more focused on the tangible benefits of China’s investments in the country. However, the subtle revival of socialist ideals, coupled with China’s increasing influence in strategic sectors, could have long-term implications for Tanzania’s political and economic future.
Regional Implications and International Reactions
As Tanzania strengthens its ties with China, other East African nations are closely watching these developments. While the Chinese military presence in Tanzania is ostensibly aimed at enhancing security in the region, there are concerns that it could upset the balance of power in East Africa. Countries like Kenya and Uganda may view Tanzania’s growing military capabilities with suspicion, particularly if China’s influence continues to expand.
On the international stage, the United States and other Western powers are likely to take a keen interest in China’s activities in Tanzania. The establishment of a military base in Dar es Salaam could trigger increased surveillance and scrutiny from the West, particularly as the U.S. seeks to counter China’s growing influence in Africa and beyond. Diplomatic observers suggest that Tanzania could become a focal point of international competition, with both China and the West vying for influence in the region.
Conclusion: A Relationship at a Crossroads
As Tanzania continues to reap the benefits of its revamped relationship with China, the country faces both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, China’s investments in infrastructure and security have the potential to transform Tanzania’s economy and enhance its strategic importance on the global stage. On the other hand, the growing Chinese military presence and the accumulation of debt could have long-term implications for Tanzania’s sovereignty and its relationships with other global powers.
Only time will tell how deep the relationship between Tanzania and China will go, especially as President Samia Suluhu Hassan prepares for the upcoming presidential election. If she wins a second term, her “Looking East” policy could continue to shape Tanzania’s future, with China playing an increasingly central role in the country’s development trajectory.
