Washington has accused Beijing of having undertaken “irresponsible actions” against US personnel in Djibouti. The east-African nation is home of US military operations and its biggest base on the continent. Camp Lemonnier is the US naval expeditionary site and supports around 4,000 troops.
The hub is primarily used to gather vital US intelligence and counter-terrorism operations in both Africa and the Persian Gulf.
Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, director of intelligence at the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) also accused the Chinese military of trying to “constrain international airspace” by barring aircraft from flying over their base.
An AFRICOM spokeswoman said the US would take “appropriate measures” to deal with the threat.
She said: “The United States takes appropriate measures to ensure the force protection of its personnel and assets.”
She added “incidents had occurred in the past” but are “no longer an issue”.
China’s Foreign Ministry denied any wrongdoing in the region.
A spokesman said: “The Chinese side has consistently abided by international law and the laws of the host country, and is committed to safeguarding regional security and stability.”
The situation will not help already strained relations between the two world superpowers who continue to embark on a trade war.
The two largest world economies are still embroiled in a dispute after imposing tariffs on each other’s
imports, disrupting global supply chains and financial markets.
China has vowed to not give in to US pressure, whilst US President Donald Trump has threatened to extend tariffs to another $300billion worth of goods.
The additional sanctions will cover almost all remaining Chinese imports into the US, including consumer products suchas mobile phones, computers and clothing.
Mr Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet next week at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.