As African countries pivot, China seizes chance to become a major military player
- Experts say China’s military engagement with African countries has become more complex and extensive as it deepens ties, expands influence
- China is increasing its market share of weapons sales and technical support in Africa as Russia, Western countries face new challenges
At a meeting of Chinese embassy officials and business representatives with immigration and security officials of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier this month, one of the main topics was the safety of Chinese citizens and enterprises in the country.
Wang Hailong, the embassy’s charge d’affaires, said “China is highly concerned” about the security situation in eastern and southeastern regions of the country.
“Since the beginning of this year, a number of Chinese companies and several Chinese citizens have suffered from vicious incidents such as kidnapping, armed robbery and burglary, causing casualties and property losses,” Wang said in a statement released after the September 9 meeting. “Only when security is guaranteed, can China and Congo’s mutually beneficial cooperation be carried out smoothly.”
A day earlier, Wang and the embassy’s military attaché met Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga, the DRC’s minister of defence, to discuss possible Chinese support for the development of the DRC’s military.
Chinese companies have massive investments in the country’s mining industry, especially in copper and cobalt, and Beijing wants those investments – and its citizens – protected.
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Zambia opens memorial for Chinese railway workers who died building Africa’s Tazara line
Amid disenchantment with long-standing Western military activity in Africa, more countries like the DRC are looking to build defence ties with China and Russia.