Fourth China-Africa peace, security forum opens in Beijing

China-Africa security cooperation contributes to the development of both sides and global stability, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said at the Fourth China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing on Thursday.

Noting 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African nations, Dong said China and Africa have stood together in the struggles against imperialism and colonialism and worked together to promote peace and development, forging a path of defense cooperation based on solidarity and shared security.

Dong also called on both China and Africa to carry forward their traditional friendship and pursue long-term cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit.

The Chinese military is ready to strengthen strategic coordination with African countries, improve comprehensive and multi-level defense exchange mechanisms, deepen regional maritime security cooperation, enhance defense capabilities in emerging fields and deliver more practical outcomes, said the Chinese defense minister.

He added that these efforts will contribute to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

Defense officials and military representatives from the African Union and 41 African countries, as well as diplomatic envoys to China, attended the forum.

The African representatives at the forum said China is an important partner for African countries and expressed appreciation for China's assistance and support in national defense and military development.

They said African security is closely linked to global security and expressed their willingness to further strengthen defense and security cooperation with China and contribute to the development of China-Africa relations.