China is hosting nearly 100 young and mid-career African military officers from 40 countries, marking the latest step in Beijing’s long-term strategy to deepen defence ties across the continent. The delegation, which includes officers from Egypt, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania, will spend time in Beijing, Changsha, and Shaoshan, visiting top military academies to learn about China’s military systems and modern technologies. The visit, organised by China’s Ministry of National Defence, aims to foster lasting relations with the next generation of African military leaders.
This initiative is part of a broader Chinese effort to cultivate influence through military diplomacy. By focusing on junior and mid-career officers, China is investing in relationships that could shape future defence collaborations. Sun Yun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Centre think tank in Washington, noted that these officers represent the future leadership of their nations’ armed forces. “China has a long game and is cultivating ties from the grass roots,” she said.
The visit aligns with President Xi Jinping’s pledge at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit to train 6,000 African military personnel by 2027 and provide 1 billion yuan (US$138.5 million) in military aid. This commitment underscores China’s ambition to strengthen its Global Security Initiative and expand its geopolitical footprint in Africa.
Ilaria Carrozza, a senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo, explained that engaging future military leaders early allows China to build trust and promote its military education and technology models. “By engaging future military leaders early, China aims to cultivate long-term influence, build trust, and promote its military education and technology models,” she said.
The officers will gain insights into the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and China’s military system, as well as exposure to advanced technologies and military industries. Paul Nantulya, a China specialist from the US National Defence University’s Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, noted that China is also using this opportunity to market its military hardware to both new and existing customers.
This visit follows a series of joint military exercises and high-level engagements between China and African nations. Recent activities include an 18-day joint air force training exercise with Egypt and agreements to develop military industries in select African countries. These efforts reflect China’s growing role in African security cooperation and its positioning as a key partner in the region.
As China continues to expand its military ties with Africa, the continent is becoming a critical arena for strategic competition. The ongoing exchanges, training programmes, and joint exercises are not only strengthening defence cooperation but also reshaping the geopolitical landscape. By investing in the next generation of African military leaders, China is laying the groundwork for deeper, long-term partnerships that could redefine security dynamics in the region.