China's Defense Minister, Dong Jun, on Thursday underscored the contribution of China-Africa security cooperation to the development of both sides and global stability, saying the Chinese military stands ready to strengthen strategic coordination with African countries.
Dong made the remarks at the 4th China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing. Military representatives and diplomatic envoys from the African Union and 41 African countries attended the event. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.
Dong said that under the strong leadership of both sides, China and Africa have stood side by side in the struggle against imperialism and colonialism and worked together to advance peace and development, forging a path of defense cooperation based on solidarity and shared security.
He emphasized that China-Africa security cooperation contributes to both sides' development and global stability.
"The two sides should carry forward their traditional friendship and stay on the path of long-term cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit," he said.
The Chinese military stands ready to strengthen strategic coordination with African countries by improving all-round and multi-level defense exchange mechanisms, deepening regional maritime security cooperation, and enhancing defense capabilities in emerging fields, so as to deliver more practical outcomes and make new contributions to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, Dong said.
African representatives attending the forum said China is an important partner for African countries and expressed appreciation for China's assistance and support in defense and military development. They stressed that African security is closely linked with global security and said African countries are willing to continue strengthening defense and security cooperation with China and contribute to the development of Africa-China relations.
