China

Mogadishu (AX) — Sub-Saharan Africa's arms trade is witnessing a seismic shift. Traditional suppliers, Russia for example, are losing their stronghold to rising competitors like China and Turkey. A fresh series of reports from the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), titled "Importing (In)security: The Evolving Arms Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa," outlines this transformation, spotlighting China as a burgeoning force in the region's arms market.In a significant shift, many Sub-Saharan African countries…

At the China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Innovation Demonstration Park (Gaoqiao Grand Market) in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, African exhibitors showcased their wares during a livestream event on June 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo) In a groundbreaking move, 300 kg of Kenyan dried sea cucumbers arrived at Changsha Huanghua International Airport in central China. This marks the first time China has received such a shipment from Kenya. Sea cucumbers, celebrated for their high protein content,…

China has confirmed the test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking its first such exercise in decades as it fell into the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, China has ramped up its nuclear capabilities and increased its defense expenditure. Back in October 2022, the Pentagon cautioned that China's development of its nuclear arsenal was outpacing United States expectations more swiftly than anticipated. As of May 2023, China reportedly possessed over 500 operational nuclear warheads.…

MOGADISHU (Xinhua) — The heart of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, bustled with activity on Tuesday as the Chinese Embassy rolled out the red carpet to celebrate 75 years since the birth of the People's Republic of China.

In an unexpected turn of events, Finland has announced the early return of two beloved giant pandas to China this November. This decision comes more than eight years ahead of schedule, primarily due to the zoo's financial strain, highlighted by the chair of the zoo's board. The two pandas, Lumi and Pyry, made their journey to Finnish shores in January 2018. Their arrival followed a notable visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Finland, where the two nations entered into an agreement aimed at the conservation of these…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia's government has inked a souped-up military cooperation deal with China, aiming to swap expertise and pick up technical know-how due to the constantly shifting landscape of tech. Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, who heads the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, steered a heavyweight military team to the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum for discussions. This forum flaunted representation from more than 100 countries, pulling in over 500 delegates altogether. A brainy bunch of more than 200…

A young woman collects water at an IDP camp in Mogadishu, the heart of Somalia, on March 22, 2017. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) The Chinese Embassy in Somalia stepped up on Thursday, bestowing 1,300 tonnes of food aid to the country's disaster agency. This effort is part of a broader strategy to tackle the expected harsh dry spells that are about to hit the nation. Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu personally handed over the donation to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) during a ceremony in Mogadishu. Wang highlighted…

China Commits $51 Billion to Africa: A Pledge for Jobs, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Energy In a significant address to representatives from over fifty African nations, Xi Jinping declared, "We have built roads, railways, schools, and hospitals together, transforming countless lives." This statement underscores China's determination to forge a "shared future" with Africa while advancing development across the Global South. Chinese state media reports that the colossal $51 billion commitment includes about $29.6 billion…

China and Somalia Forge Strategic Diplomatic Alliance In a momentous turn of events, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the historic Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on September 6, 2024. During their meeting, the two leaders unveiled a significant upgrade to their bilateral relations, declaring a strategic partnership. This announcement coincided with Mohamud's attendance at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi was quick to highlight Somalia's…

Somali President Shuns Ethiopian Prime Minister at Beijing Summit Beijing (AX) — In a notable diplomatic snub, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has rebuffed an invitation to rendezvous with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit taking place in Beijing. Sources privy to the situation reveal that efforts by African leaders, including those from Djibouti and Mauritania, alongside former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, the special envoy of the African Union,…