A presença da China na Costa Ocidental da África – O caso da Namibia: implicações para o poder naval brasileiro

Abstract

This paper researches China ́s economic and military influence in Namibia in order to identify its implications forBrazilian sea power. It will summarize, at first, the role of suchpower in support of Brazilian foreign policy toward the west coast of Africa and, particularly, toward Namibia. Next, it will describe the current stage of Chinese presence within that African state. Based on these elements, the essay analyzesthe consequences of Chinese presence in Namibia to Brazilian sea power, with regards to the South Atlantic security environment and, more specifically, to the Brazil-Namibia Naval Cooperation Agreement. Finally, it will point out alternatives for the development and employment of that sea power, in order to achieve Brazil’s interests within the region, under this new set of circumstances. This work covers a very current and relevant theme dealing, on one hand, with the impressive riseof China’s economy and, on the other, with a region of clear strategic importance to Brazil. This work, therefore, willhopefully meet the requirements of scholars on such subjects as International Relations, Economics, Geopolitics, South Atlantic, Africa, Foreign Policy and Sea Power.