China hails growing military ties with Namibia

Military cooperation between China and Namibia continues to deepen following president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent state visit to Beijing.

Speaking at a reception in Windhoek last week, marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese defence attaché Li Shujun said the visit elevated bilateral relations to a “China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era”.

Li said presidents Xi Jinping and Nandi-Ndaitwah reached consensus on expanding cooperation across various sectors, setting the strategic direction for long-term relations.

He said ties between the PLA and the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) have strengthened through practical cooperation, military exchanges and training.

“With our joint efforts, the friendly relationship between our two militaries will continue to grow and contribute to the overall development of bilateral relations,” Li said.

He reaffirmed that China’s defence policy remains defensive, guided by principles of not seeking hegemony, expansion or spheres of influence.

Li added that China remains one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations, with more than 1 600 peacekeepers serving in eight missions worldwide.

He said Beijing is ready to work with Namibia and other countries to promote peace, security and shared prosperity.

NDF chief air marshal Martin Pinehas says the relationship between the two countries is rooted in history and continues to grow.

“When we say China stood with us, we are not just talking. It is a historical fact,” he says.

Pinehas says the relationship entered a new phase immediately after Namibia’s independence on 21 March 1990, noting that China had supported the Swapo liberation struggle through diplomatic backing, military training and other forms of assistance.