Wednesday May 7, 2025
African military officers, including participants from Somalia, line up during a welcoming ceremony in China on May 7, 2025. The visit, hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, brings together around 100 young officers from over 40 African countries for a 10-day exchange aimed at strengthening China-Africa defence ties and promoting mutual understanding. Credit: Chinese Embassy in Somalia via X
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali military officers are among nearly 100 delegates from over 40 African countries participating in a 10-day military exchange program in China, underscoring Beijing's growing push to deepen defence ties across the continent.
The visit, held from May 6 to 15, is organized by China's Ministry of National Defense and hosted by the PLA National University of Defense Technology. Participants will tour cities including Beijing, Changsha, and Shaoshan, while engaging in leadership workshops, military base visits, and strategic discussions.
Now in its fourth iteration, the initiative supports the goals set during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which promotes a "shared future" between African nations and China. The program aims to foster professional military dialogue and strengthen regional cooperation on peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and stability.
The Chinese Embassy in Somalia confirmed that members of the Somali National Army are participating in the exchange. It comes as China's presence in African security logistics has become more visible, particularly in Somalia. In March, the Somali government received a shipment of military equipment from the African Union, including at least six Chinese-made ZFB-05 Xinxing armoured vehicles—light infantry carriers originally developed for the Chinese People's Liberation Army and now widely used in UN peacekeeping missions. While the delivery was part of AU support ahead of the new AUSSOM deployment, the vehicles' origin reflects China's growing footprint in Africa's defence sector.
For Somalia, participation in the exchange complements its efforts to modernize its armed forces and diversify international partnerships. The visit also comes shortly after China and Egypt concluded a bilateral air force exercise, "Eagles of Civilization 2025," further illustrating Beijing's increasing engagement in African military affairs.
Earlier this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged 1 billion yuan (approximately $136 million) in military aid to African countries, alongside plans to train 6,000 troops and 1,000 police officers.
The program is scheduled to conclude on May 15.