The west is concerned, but china's military presence in Africa is "Inevitable"
China is not withdrawing from Africa. On the contrary, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced during the China-Africa summit that China has invested $51 billion over the past three years to implement its military plan, which includes training programs, exercises, and joint ventures.
In response, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi announced today that China could assist in training Mozambican soldiers in counterterrorism efforts, which have plagued several districts in northern Cabo Delgado province since October 2017.
Speaking at a press conference marking the end of his six-day working visit to China, Nyusi explained that Chinese military authorities would soon present strategic details to adapt Mozambican soldiers, including maritime protection and the fight against drug trafficking.
“They will explain how they intend to proceed; we, as Mozambique, learned during bilateral meetings what support they will provide, for example, in maritime protection, a space used by terrorists and drug traffickers. They also mentioned that they will train more soldiers,” Nyusi said.
The Mozambican head of state emphasized that during bilateral talks, China confirmed its continued assistance to Mozambican military forces.
Seeking support for counterterrorism efforts, according to Nyusi, is diversified and includes countries with different ideologies.
China has supported Mozambique in combating terrorism since the insurgency in Cabo Delgado erupted in October 2017, with some attacks claimed by the extremist Islamic State group.
In recent months, terrorist attacks in several districts of Cabo Delgado have significantly decreased, leading to the closure of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Military Mission (SAMIM) in July after exactly three years of operations.
SADC's support also helped restore state authority in all districts previously seized by terrorists, particularly where hydrocarbon exploration and research activities are underway.
On environmental sustainability, Nyusi stated that strategies would be presented later this month during the 79th ordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly, which is scheduled to begin next Tuesday (10th).
“As we know the measures that need to be taken, for example, to protect the Miombo forest, where we excel, the package will be presented later this month in New York,” Nyusi said.
A Chinese government website also quoted President Xi Jinping as affirming that China supports Mozambique in counterterrorism efforts and in maintaining peace and stability, adding that China is ready to closely cooperate with the country on multilateral platforms, including the United Nations.
Xi made these remarks during a meeting with Nyusi, which took place on Wednesday (4th) in Beijing, just minutes before the start of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“China is willing to expand cooperation with Mozambique in areas such as infrastructure, energy and mineral resources, agriculture, and the digital economy, and support Mozambique's industrialization and economic diversification,” Xi said.
The Chinese leader noted that next year would mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, expressing hope that both sides would unite efforts to strengthen their friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and add new content to the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Mozambique.
Nyusi participated in the 9th FOCAC at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart. The event was held under the theme "Working Together to Promote Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future."
