China is hosting nearly 100 young and mid-career African military officers from 40 countries as part of its long-term strategy to deepen defence ties across the continent.
The delegation, including officers from Egypt, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania, will stay until May 15 and visit top military academies in Beijing, Changsha and Shaoshan to learn about China’s military systems and modern technologies, according to China’s Ministry of National Defence.
Observers say that by picking young and mid-level military officers, China is building lasting relations and influence as the delegation represents the future leadership of their nations’ armed forces.
According to Sun Yun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Centre think tank in Washington, the fact that the delegation – which is very large, geographically expansive and composed of relatively junior and mid-career officers – is particularly important because they “represent the future pillar of military leadership in African countries”.
This is the fourth time the Chinese defence ministry has organised such an event, with the National University of Defence Technology in Changsha, Hunan province, playing host.
