The Young Leaders Conference of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum was held in Nanjing City of east China's Jiangsu Province from Tuesday to Saturday, bringing together approximately 90 mid- and senior-level military officers from more than 40 African countries.
The event was hosted by China’s Ministry of National Defense and organized by the PLA Army Command College.
With the theme "Building Peace Together for the Future," the conference aimed to advance the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Chinese and African representatives discussed a range of topics, including capacity building for peace and security in Africa, the role of emerging technologies in defense and security cooperation, and comprehensive approaches to addressing non-traditional security threats. They expressed strong support for the achievements of China-Africa cooperation in the field of peace and security.
"The conference content was of high quality, and the delegates' remarks all centered around peace, friendship and exchange," said one of the African delegates.
Over the five-day event, China rolled out the red carpet for African delegations, organizing tours of naval vessels and visits to historical and cultural sites in Nanjing and Shanghai.
"The conference focused on fully implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and building a platform for exchanges between young military officers from China and African countries. Through discussions, exchanges, on-site visits and other activities, it aimed to break down cultural and cognitive barriers, further strengthen friendships, build consensus, consolidate and expand the achievements of China-Africa security capacity building," said Tang Jiangang, head of the Comprehensive Planning Group of the Conference Organizing Committee.
Young Leaders Conference of China-Africa Peace and Security Forum held in Nanjing
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
