Beijing Hosts 4th China-Africa Peace and Security Forum to Expand Ties

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun addressed defense officials and military envoys from the African Union and 41 African countries at the 4th China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing. Held under a theme marking 70 years of diplomatic ties, the forum emphasized elevating security coordination beyond traditional areas into regional maritime security and defense capabilities in emerging domains. African participants acknowledged Beijing's support for local military capacity building and agreed to deepen defense ties.

The forum underscores Beijing's evolving defense strategy in Africa, moving past basic peacekeeping contributions and tactical training toward institutionalized multilateral coordination. Highlighting regional maritime security and emerging defense domains signals an ambition to protect expanding economic corridors and address nontraditional security threats across the continent collaboratively.

Defense Minister Dong Jun hosted military leaders, defense officials, and diplomats from the African Union and 41 African nations in Beijing on September 17 for the 4th China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, according to reports from China Military Online and China News Service. The gathering was convened under the theme "Building Security Together: Seventy Years in the Same Boat, Sharing Responsibilities Under New Circumstances." During his keynote speech, Dong emphasized that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, framing bilateral military ties as an enduring partnership forged in anti-imperialist solidarity and mutual strategic trust. Dong stated that China's military seeks to reinforce strategic alignment with African armed forces. Specifically, he outlined priorities that include improving multi-tiered defense exchange mechanisms, strengthening regional maritime security cooperation, and upgrading defense capabilities in emerging domains. He framed these initiatives as vital contributions to constructing an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future. African delegates in attendance praised Chinese defense cooperation, expressing appreciation for Beijing's continuous support and assistance in military capacity building, state media reported. Participating officials noted that African regional stability remains deeply interconnected with global security, affirming their intention to expand bilateral and multilateral defense engagements with China. The discussions reflect Beijing's intent to broaden its military footprint in Africa from traditional peacekeeping deployments toward comprehensive defense architecture. Emphasizing maritime security resonates with coastal African states grappling with piracy, illegal fishing, and trade route security, while interest in emerging domains points toward increasing demand for surveillance technologies, communication systems, and cyber capabilities.