West and Central Africa face a ‘military vacuum’ as French troops leave and Russian weapons become scarce. Analysts say China is stepping in to fill this gap. Since 2020, military coups in Sahel countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have ended old alliances. France has pulled out after years of counterterrorism efforts. A report from China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence highlights this opportunity. It said the French military exit created "space for the expansion of China’s military trade." The report also noted "market substitution opportunities" as French and Russian weapons use falls. China is now boosting its engagement with Sahel countries and gaining new ground in this changing military landscape.