Washington security hawks have been aflutter for months over claims China plans to plant a naval base on the oil-rich tropical nation of Equatorial Guinea in West Africa. The Wall Street Journal got the buzz going with a bombshell feature on Dec. 5, 2021, citing “classified American intelligence.” “The officials declined to describe details of the secret intelligence findings. But they said the reports raise the prospect that Chinese warships would be able to rearm and refit opposite the East Coast of the United States—a threat that is setting off alarm bells at the White House and Pentagon,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Top army officials have been vexed over the prospect since last May. “They’re looking for a place where they can rearm and repair warships. That becomes militarily useful in conflict,” according to Gen. Stephen Townsend, who heads U.S. Africa Command. “The Atlantic coast concerns me greatly,” he …