China, African nations push for closer cooperation, joint exercises – Defence Connect

Keynote speaker Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Li Shangfu made the pledge to further consolidate strategic communication between Chinese and African defence departments during the PRC Ministry of National Defense event this week.

Defence departments leaders, military chiefs, and military attachés of nearly 50 African countries and more than 100 African Union senior representatives are attending the meetings in Beijing from 28 August to 2 September.

“In the future, China will enhance military cooperation with Africa in various fields including joint exercises, peacekeeping and escorting, military education as well as professional training in order to inject more certainty, stability, and positive energy to a turbulent world,” General Li said during his keynote speech.

“Good China-Africa cooperation can inject more stability into the world. China will enhance military cooperation with Africa in various fields.”

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Forum attendees also reportedly voiced support for a joint naval exercise to be held with China and several African nations in 2024.

The event features a central theme of “Implementing the Global Security Initiative, Strengthening China-Africa Solidarity and Cooperation” and features topics on peace, security, maritime security, anti-terrorism, and President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative.

“China never imposes its will upon others or interferes in the internal affairs of African countries,” General Li said at the conference.

“It’s aid to Africa, including military aid, comes with no political strings attached, and all security work is always carried out through consultation with the African countries involved.

“These make the important cornerstone underpinning China-Africa mutual trust in the security domain.”

General Li has also reportedly held meetings with defence leaders from Senegal, Comoros, the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, Zambia, South Sudan, Gambia, Mauritania, Uganda, and the commissioner for political affairs, peace and security of the AU Commission.