China, Tanzania set to mark 60 years of naval cooperation

Dar es Salaam. The 45th Chinese naval escort task group arrived at Dar es Salaam Port over the weekend, demonstrating the strength of military cooperation between the two nations.

The visit is part of the festivities planned to commemorate Tanzania and China’s 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

As representatives from both navies gathered for a deck reception on March 25, 2024, the echoes of a longstanding partnership resonated, reaffirming the pivotal role of maritime collaboration in bolstering bilateral relations.

Navy commander Ramadhan Hassan, representing the Chief of Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), General Jacob Mkunda, articulated the deep-rooted history binding the two nations. “The relationship between Tanzania and China dates back to the visionary leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Chairman Mao Zedong. It’s a bond forged in mutual support and shared aspirations for progress,” he said. Since the establishment of Tanzania’s Navy in 1969, China has played a pivotal role, providing support and assistance in nurturing maritime capabilities, he said.

Commander Hassan highlighted China’s significant contributions, particularly in the establishment of Tanzania’s marine special forces, a testament to the enduring comradeship between the two defence forces. Echoing these sentiments, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Chen Mingjian, emphasised the pivotal role of the naval visit in commemorating the six-decade milestone.

“This visit marks not only a milestone but a new beginning, underscoring China’s firm commitment to deepen our friendship and enhance bilateral cooperation,” she affirmed. The significance of the visit extends beyond symbolic gestures, transcending into tangible collaborations that pave the way for future endeavours. With China emerging as Tanzania’s largest trade partner and investment source, the naval exchange served as a cornerstone for expanding strategic engagement across various sectors.

It was highlighted that during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to China in 2022, the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership set the stage for enhanced military cooperation.

Subsequent meetings between President Hassan and President Xi Jinping underscored the mutual commitment to fostering robust ties, culminating in Vice Premier Liu Guozhong’s visit to Tanzania in January 2024, marking the commencement of the six-decade anniversary celebrations. The bilateral trade volume between China and Tanzania surged to $8.78 billion in 2023, according to Ambassador Chen, a testament to the growing economic interdependence between the two countries.

As both countries embark on the Tourism and Culture Year in 2024, Ms Chen said the exchange of cultural experiences and tourism initiatives will further enrich people-to-people exchanges, fostering greater understanding and friendship.

Ambassador Chen highlighted China’s steadfast support in various domains, from education to infrastructure development, underscoring China’s commitment to Tanzania’s socio-economic advancement.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam has been instrumental in nurturing linguistic proficiency, with thousands of Tanzanians benefiting from Chinese language programmes.

She said that in the realm of international affairs, Tanzania and China stand united in championing common interests and upholding principles of fairness and justice.

“The alignment of interests extends to military cooperation, a cornerstone of their strategic partnership. With regular high-level exchanges, joint exercises, and training initiatives, our militaries stand poised to uphold regional stability and global peace,” she said.

Looking ahead, Commander Hassan believed that the naval visit signified a renewed commitment to advancing bilateral ties, transcending challenges, and forging a path towards shared prosperity.

As the two navies engage in a series of exchange activities during the five-day visit, it is believed that bonds of friendship and cooperation will be further strengthened, laying the groundwork for another 60 years of enduring partnership.

In the words of Commander Ramadhan Hassan, “The seas we sail together today pave the way for a future anchored in solidarity and cooperation. As we celebrate six decades of friendship, let us chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow, united in our pursuit of peace and prosperity.”