By staff writer, China Africa News
BEIJING, Sept. 17, 2026 — China is seeking to deepen security and defence cooperation with African countries as Beijing expands its military diplomacy alongside its broader economic and political engagement with the continent.
The push comes as China hosts the 4th China-Africa Peace and Security Forum alongside the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, bringing together defence officials and security experts from China, Africa and other parts of the world.
The China-Africa security meeting is taking place at a time when Beijing is increasingly presenting security cooperation as an important component of its relationship with African countries, alongside trade, infrastructure, development and investment.
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun said this week that the Chinese military is prepared to share its experience in military development and governance with other countries and provide assistance where it can. He also highlighted cooperation in areas including disaster relief, emergency response, humanitarian assistance and public security.
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum, held from Sept. 15 to 17, has brought together representatives from nearly 100 countries, regions and international organisations under the theme “Build Consensus on Stability, Advance Security Governance Together.” A dedicated China-Africa peace and security forum is being held as part of the wider event.
China has steadily expanded military-to-military contacts with African states in recent years, including defence exchanges, training and security cooperation. Beijing has also used the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation framework to promote closer political and security ties.
For African countries, cooperation with China comes as governments across the continent seek to strengthen their capacity to respond to armed conflict, terrorism, organised crime, natural disasters and other security challenges.
The expansion of security ties also reflects the broader evolution of China-Africa relations. While economic cooperation remains central to the relationship, defence and security have become increasingly prominent areas of engagement.
The latest meetings in Beijing are expected to provide another platform for African and Chinese officials to exchange views on regional security, peacekeeping, crisis response and the role of developing countries in global security governance.
China has presented such cooperation as part of its wider approach to what it describes as a more inclusive international security system, while African countries continue to balance relationships with China, the United States, Europe and other international partners.
The discussions in Beijing therefore offer another indication that security is becoming an increasingly important dimension of China-Africa relations, alongside the continent’s longstanding economic and development ties with Beijing.
