China-Africa ties deepened in peace and security

World
Europe

03:09

Over the past decade, China's role in Africa's peace and security has rapidly grown with military cooperation and peacekeeping deployments.

Through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation -- or FOCAC -- and the African Union's support, China has made an increasing effort to take a Pan-African approach to security on the continent.

It is against this background that young African military officials are visiting China -- a follow-up to the implementation of the 2018 FOCAC plan of action, which calls for ongoing forums on peace, security and law enforcement between China and Africa.

"Over the past year, we've seen tremendous efforts made by African leaders and China in promoting peace in Africa. The African Union in collaboration with China is making huge steps to prevent conflict in Africa," said Simon Matingwina, wing commander from Zimbabwe.

China's contribution to Africa's peace and security has become more prominent, with its presence in peacekeeping missions in places like South Sudan, DR Congo, Liberia and Darfur. Security cooperation efforts include maritime rescue, anti-piracy, medical and humanitarian support, and peace mediation.

At the UN Peacekeeping Summit in 2015, President Xi Jinping pledged that China would provide 100 million U.S. dollars worth of free military assistance to the African Union. This would be given over five years to support the establishment of an African standby force and enhance Africa's crisis response capacity.

Meanwhile, Simon Matingwina said, "China is probably the biggest contributor of troops of all UNSC members. It clearly shows the vital role China is playing in contributing to peace in Africa and supporting programs by the African Union."

The visit by the young officials is one sign of China's growing ties with Africa, not only in trade and investment, but also in peace and security -- which is critical for the continent's development.

"At the end of the visit, we are going to learn more about China-Africa partnerships and the policies that are shaping China-Africa partnerships into the future," said Pual Chiphwanya, a major of the Malawian defense force.

Security is an important chapter of the China-Africa story. And maintaining peace and security has become a pillar of the African Union.

The presence of African officers from 45 African countries is a true manifestation of China's growing role in managing peace and security challenges on the continent. The visit will also enable the delegation to experience China as it is and further contribute to the China-Africa partnership.