The China in Africa Podcast China's Africa Security Strategy: Training, Arms, and Political Influence
Jun 20, 2025
Paul Nantulya, a veteran military analyst and research associate at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, dives into China's robust military engagement in Africa. He reveals that Chinese arms supply has surged, now equipping 70% of African militaries. Officer training programs have skyrocketed from under 200 to over 2,000 participants. Nantulya discusses the implications of China's security cooperation, the political alignment of African forces, and how these developments challenge traditional views of military influence on the continent.
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China's Historical Military Ties
- China has evolved from training liberation movements to building national armies and military academies across Africa.
- Different African countries have unique, longstanding ties with specific Chinese military institutions influencing their military culture.
China Expanding Military Training
- Since 2012, China has trained more African senior officers than all industrialized nations combined, now targeting junior officers as well.
- African militaries increasingly acquire advanced Chinese weaponry used by the PLA, indicating a major shift in military engagement.
Improving Chinese Military Exports
- Chinese defense companies like Norinco receive political directives to improve equipment quality and durability.
- China aims to boost its global military image by addressing African concerns about weapon reliability.