China recently donated howitzers and other weapons and equipment to Benin's armed forces to help them fight terrorism.
Analysts at the Oslo Peace Institute, a Norwegian think tank, pointed out that Beijing's donation of weapons to African countries is a manifestation of strengthening military cooperation, which fosters mutually beneficial relations between China and Africa and the promotion of long-term economic and political exchanges between the two sides.
On August 1, 2022, Benin celebrated the 62nd anniversary of independence - Credit Xinhuanet
The West African country has long faced the growing threat of terrorism. Benin's armed forces are currently fighting terrorists in the country's northern border areas with Burkina Faso and Niger.
Benin is located in south-central West Africa, with a population of about 13.4 million and a GDP of $17.4 billion in 2022. Benin is one of the least developed and heavily indebted countries, as declared by the United Nations. Agriculture and re-export trade are the two pillars of the national economy, but Benin is mainly rich in mineral resources such as oil and natural gas.
In September last year, President Talon of Benin visited China, and Beijing and Benin announced the establishment of a strategic partnership.
Relations between Benin and Niger have become strained since the military coup in Niger last July. Benin's blockade of Niger's oil exports has affected the Niger government's crude oil marketing project with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
On May 15, a Chinese delegation, including a representation from China National Petroleum Corporation, held talks with President Talon of Benin. Four days later (May 19), a ship carrying one million barrels of crude oil from Niger was allowed to leave the port of Seme, Benin, heading for China. The success of this export to the sea was made possible by Beijing's influence and its ability to mediate with ever-improving local politics.
Niger-Benin crude oil export pipeline under construction - Credit Guancha
China has long sought to strengthen military cooperation with African countries by donating or selling military equipment, as well as providing training and infrastructure funding, in addition to military aircraft. Observers believe that Beijing views the donation of arms and equipment as a cost-effective way to build trust between China's armed forces and those of other countries while promoting strategic cooperation.
According to a 2022 study report by the Oslo Peace Research Institute, China has provided military assistance to a total of 47 African countries over the past 20 years, with Zimbabwe and Angola receiving the most weapons and training.
For example, in March last year, Beijing donated four PMR-50 reconnaissance and combat drones manufactured by China Norinco to Benin.
In recent years, Nigeria and Sierra Leone have acquired naval patrol boats from China. Last year, Zimbabwe received $28 million worth of weapons and equipment from China. Earlier this year, Ghana received rocket launchers and armored vehicles from Beijing.
China is currently a major supplier of weapons to the African continent, including small arms and light weapons, armed drones, heavy equipment such as armored vehicles and tanks, naval ships, high-performance aircraft and missile systems.
According to data compiled by the Center for Global Development Policy at Boston University in the United States, from 2000 to 2022 Beijing has provided eight African countries-Zambia, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Angola and Namibia-with 30 billion worth of loans to secure military equipment supplies and to improve the military infrastructure of these countries' armies.
Comments