Reports say that the United States will strengthen its military presence in Africa in 2013; it will deploy troops to 35 countries in the continent. Beginning in March of 2013, soldiers from the Second Heavy Brigade Combat Team, First Infantry Division will start military training to actively prepare for deployment.

What lies behind the U.S. increasing its military involvement in Africa? China's PLA (People's Liberation Army) Daily recently published an article explaining the hidden motives behind the increase in the number of U.S. armed forces in Africa. Excerpts follow:

First, the United States aims to continue the "forward deployment" of its forces in its counter-terrorism strategy in order to constantly improve its anti-terrorism efforts.

Some deep-rooted problems already exist in Africa, such as regional conflicts, civil wars and weapons proliferation, as well as weak governance in some African countries, which provide breeding grounds for terrorism. As the U.S.-published National Strategy for Counterterrorism stated in 2011, despite the death of Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda affiliates in Africa are still in full force. 

If the United States cannot effectively contain and combat the terrorist threat in Africa, it could lose the global counterterrorism battle, thus posing significant threats to the national security of the United States. 

In order to bridge gap of the "crack region" of the non-traditional security threats as quickly as possible, the United States feels it is highly necessary to deploy troops in many African countries, and establish more anti-terrorism forward operating bases in order to eventually form a worldwide anti-terrorism network. 

Its second motive is to enhance the military strength of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and to lay down a solid foundation for it to promote its "democratic values" and intervene in African affairs. 

Although the United States established AFRICOM in 2007, set up several military bases in Africa and established an intelligence network composed of over 10 small air force bases, its military presence is not solid, and it often encounters difficulties in coping with some thorny issues. 

Through increasing military forces in Africa, AFRICOM can better perform its remote command functions, enhance its ability to conduct independent military operations and move into spaces traditionally held by other Western countries, such as France. It can also provide a strong military foundation for promoting so-called "democratic values" and fostering pro-American regimes.

The United States' last motive is to control strategic resources and expand the African market. 

In recent years, the U.S. dependence on strategic resources in Africa has seen a continuous increase, and it has even labeled the oil in Africa a "strategic national interest." According to estimates, 25 percent of the oil needed by the United States will come from the Sub-Saharan Africa by 2015, exceeding the oil imported from the Middle East. The U.S.-strengthened military presence in Africa will help ensure the security of the supply lines of these strategic resources. 

In addition, the vast market in Africa also appeals to the United States. Especially while facing a serious economic crisis today, the United States has taken Africa as an economic generator and booster in its fight against the economic downturn.

In June of 2012, the Obama administration announced the U.S. Strategy in sub-Saharan Regions of Africa, which specifically emphasizes the strengthening of trade with Africa. From the United States' perspective, strengthening its military presence in Africa is also a necessary measure to protect and develop its economic and trade relations with Africa, and to tap the potential of the African market.