MWE Correspondent
China has once again expressed its strong commitment to helping modernize the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), underscoring the close military partnership between the two countries and their shared goal of promoting peace and security in the East African region.
Speaking ahead of the TPDF’s 61st anniversary, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Mingjian Chen, praised the long-standing relationship between the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China and Tanzania’s defence forces. She described their cooperation as steady, friendly, and productive.
“For over six decades, the PLA and TPDF have built a relationship based on trust and collaboration,” Ambassador Chen said on July 25, 2025. “Together, we have carried out high-level diplomatic visits, joint military exercises, infrastructure projects, equipment transfers, and training initiatives, all of which have yielded meaningful results.”
The ambassador highlighted some recent milestones that reflect the depth of this partnership. Among these was the visit to China last year by Tanzania’s Minister of Defence and National Service, Dr. Stergomena Tax. She also pointed to the Amani Umoja 2024 military exercise, the largest ever conducted jointly by the two forces, which helped strengthen their operational capabilities.
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Amani Umoja means “Peace Unity” in Swahili and is part of broader peacekeeping and military cooperation initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security.
Another important element of their cooperation has been the humanitarian missions conducted by the PLA Navy’s hospital ship, Ark Peace. In 2024, the vessel visited Tanzania for the third time—a record for any African country. During these missions, the ship provided free medical services and humanitarian assistance, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity between the nations.
Ambassador Chen reaffirmed that China remains dedicated to supporting Tanzania’s ongoing defence modernization, which includes improving military infrastructure, supplying advanced defense equipment, and enhancing training programs to build a stronger, more capable force.
This enduring partnership is seen as vital not only for Tanzania’s national security but also for regional stability and peace in East Africa. Both China and Tanzania continue to collaborate closely on addressing security challenges and building resilient military capacities.
