Tanzania to host joint military exercises with China in celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is set to host joint military exercises with China later this week, following the arrival of three naval vessels carrying Chinese troops.

The drills will be held as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the bilateral relations between the two countries and the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF).

The Chinese troops will participate in joint training with the TPDF, encompassing various military operations. The exercises aim to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two armed forces.

The naval vessels carrying the Chinese troops arrived a day after a Chinese hospital ship concluded a seven-day medical mission in the country.

Commander of the Tanzania Navy, Ameir Ramadhan Hassan, expressed optimism about the upcoming drills, highlighting the opportunity for knowledge and experience sharing between the two militaries.

“We anticipate that these exercises will strengthen our military capabilities and foster closer ties with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army,” said Hassan. This marks the fourth joint military exercise between Tanzania and China.

The first exercise was held in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam in 2014, followed by Mapinga in the Coastal region in 2019/2020 and another in September last year.

This year's exercises will be distinctive due to the inclusion of all TPDF branches - air force, navy, and ground forces. Previous drills focused on specific units.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, emphasized the importance of the military cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations.