Xi Jinping Proposes Strengthening Military and Technological Ties with Africa

President Xi Jinping has proposed enhancing military and technological cooperation with African nations, including joint forums in nuclear technology and space exploration. Announced during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Xi also pledged to launch clean energy projects and provide substantial military training and assistance to Africa.

President Xi Jinping has put forward a comprehensive plan to strengthen military and technological ties with Africa. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Xi proposed the establishment of a joint forum to enhance cooperation in nuclear technology, satellite remote sensing, and deep-space exploration.

Xi announced that China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, implement meteorological early warning systems, and collaborate on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, and biodiversity conservation. However, it is unclear if this cooperation will extend to building nuclear power plants in Africa.

Xi's proposal includes transforming China-Africa relations into an all-weather partnership, a term often used to describe China's close relationship with Pakistan. He pledged a billion RMD (approximately USD 142 million) in grant assistance, training for 6,000 military personnel, and inviting 500 young African military officers to visit China. Despite these significant offers, the summit did not see major financial pledges, as observed in past events.

(With inputs from agencies.)