Analyst Jack Prandelli reported on X at an unspecified time within the past two hours that China has financed, built, or operates more than 40 African ports across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea regions, according to a post viewed between 12:15:57 PM and 2:15:53 PM UTC on January 29, 2026. The post states several ports currently commercial could shift to military use, extending People's Liberation Army Navy access beyond Djibouti. Prandelli's analysis highlights these ports as controlling energy, commodities, food, and military reach, describing China's strategy as integrating into global trade infrastructure rather than surrounding Africa. The report warns that access may not be guaranteed in the future, per the X post from @jackprandelli. No official Chinese government statements confirming the port figures or intentions appeared in the reporting window. The post provides no specific port names, construction timelines, or military access details beyond general coverage claims.
