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Participation in 10-day Chinese-led military program highlights Somalia’s push to modernize its army and China’s growing security presence in Africa.
A group of Somali military officers is currently in China taking part in a 10-day military exchange program. They are among nearly 100 participants from more than 40 African countries who are attending the event, which runs from May 6 to May 15. The program is organized by China’s Ministry of National Defense and is hosted by the PLA National University of Defense Technology.
During their visit, the delegates will travel to several Chinese cities, including Beijing, Changsha, and Shaoshan. While there, they will take part in leadership workshops, visit Chinese military bases, and engage in discussions focused on strategy, peacekeeping, and regional cooperation. The goal is to promote understanding and strengthen military ties between China and African countries.
This is the fourth time China has hosted this exchange program. It was first introduced as part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which was launched to build a “shared future” between China and African nations. The program aims to encourage professional dialogue among military officers and help African countries work together on important issues like counterterrorism, peacekeeping missions, and regional stability.
The Chinese Embassy in Somalia has confirmed that officers from the Somali National Army are part of this year’s exchange. Their participation comes at a time when China is becoming more involved in Africa’s defense efforts, especially in Somalia.
Just two months ago, in March, the Somali government received military equipment from the African Union to support its security operations. This shipment included at least six Chinese-made ZFB-05 Xinxing armored vehicles. These are light vehicles designed to carry troops and are often used by China’s military as well as United Nations peacekeeping forces. While the equipment came through the African Union, the fact that it was made in China shows how much China is contributing to African security needs.
For Somalia, joining this exchange program is part of its broader plan to modernize its military and build stronger international partnerships. By working with different countries like China, Somalia is looking to improve its defense capabilities and gain new skills and knowledge.
China’s interest in Africa’s military landscape doesn’t stop with this program. In fact, earlier this year, China held a joint air force exercise with Egypt called “Eagles of Civilization 2025.” The training event is just one of many signs that China wants to play a bigger role in security matters across the African continent.
On top of that, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently announced that China will give 1 billion yuan (about $136 million) in military aid to African countries. China also plans to train 6,000 African soldiers and 1,000 police officers in the coming years. These promises reflect China’s long-term commitment to helping African countries strengthen their defense and security sectors.
The current military exchange program will come to a close on May 15. But it has already shown how China is becoming an increasingly important partner for Africa in defense matters. For Somalia and many other countries on the continent, this kind of cooperation could bring valuable support in the years ahead as they work to improve their military forces and ensure peace and stability.