China-Africa Security Cooperation: African military officials visit Special Police College in Beijing

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Military officials attending the first China-Africa Peace and Security Forum have visited the Special Police College in Beijing. The college has carried out exchanges with delegations from more than 150 countries and regions. Participants say such visits like Wednesday's can boost both exchanges and understanding. CGTN correspondent Han Bin has more.

This combat-oriented training showcases the strength of China's elite armed police forces. It's a routine practice at the Special Police College, but today, it has a special purpose. This is part of the programs of the first China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, which aims to strengthen cooperation.

SR. COL. ZHANG LI, COMMANDANT SPECIAL POLICE COLLEGE "I believe your visit here would play an active role in fulfilling the cooperative consensus reached by leaders of China and African countries, and enhancing friendship between China and African countries. We would also like to carry out in-depth exchanges with your military forces in the future."

The Special Police College was founded in 1985 to train personnel for anti-terrorism operations. For 30 years, a large number of its graduates have gone on to serve, in China's public security forces and the People's Armed Police forces.

COL. DENG MAYOM SUDAN PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY, SOUTH SUDAN "It is a very high training. It requires a lot of energy for young people. I hope that our young kids get the opportunity to come and join their quality to get the training."

MAJ. GEN. ASRAT DENERO AMAD, COMMANDER WEST COMMAND, ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL DEFENSE FORCE "I'm very happy. I take this lesson from the Chinese Special Police College."

"So, you think the Chinese police and army forces can play a growing role in Africa's peace and security?"

"Of course, you can play a very good role for African peace and security, and sustain its prosperity. I am confident for this."

Many participants say China's commitment to peacekeeping in Africa should continue. And with the Belt and Road Initiatives, the need for security cooperation is on the rise.

HAN BIN SPECIAL POLICE COLLEGE, BEIJING "Compared with economic links, China-Africa security cooperation has been lagging behind. But this is changing. Today's visit to the China Special Police by the African military officers is another sign that the two sides are deepening trust, and a new mechanism for security cooperation is in the making. Han Bin, CGTN, Beijing."