Gabon Coup Threatens China's Interests

China's economic interests in Gabon are under threat after the military seized power in the oil and mineral-rich nation on Central Africa's west coast on August 30, 2023, as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The construction of a bridge over the Feeder of the Nkomi Laguna is to be executed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation - CRBC. I Photo: GAUFF Engineering

The coup ended a hold on power by the Bongo family of more than five decades. In 2009, Ali Bongo took over the presidency from his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, following his death. Omar had ruled the former French colony since 1967.

China is Gabon's largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching $4.55 billion in 2022, up more than 50% year-on-year, according to Chinese customs data.

Gabon, with a population of just over two million, is heavily dependent on its oil and minerals, with crude petroleum and manganese ore contributing 83% of its revenue.

The nation also exports wood products, but the Gabonese government wants to diversify its economy by attracting more investment into its forestry and tourism industries.

Gabon belongs to a small league of countries that absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit, making them "carbon sinks." Key to Gabon's forestry industry are a dozen Chinese companies that own forest concessions and more than 30 others that process the wood.

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