China has continued to enhance and strengthen it's bond and relationship with Tanzania.
Last week, the two countries launched a joint military training in Tanzania as part of ongoing military cooperation towards the 60th anniversary of The Tanzania People Defence Forces(TPDF).
According to an earlier statement from Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) the exercise dubbed 'Peace Unity-2024' will be carried out both on land and at sea.
" The exercise aims to enhance the participating troops' capabilities in joint counter-terrorism operations, and deepen military mutual trust and practical cooperation. It will be conducive for the three countries to jointly preserve regional peace and stability" read a statement from Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense.
In the statement, the spokesperson revealed that a similar exercise will be conducted in Mozambique.
According to analysts the joint drill will have a range of benefits for both China and the African countries taking part, analysts have said, not just in military training but also in strengthening political ties.
Paul Nantulya, a China specialist from the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies in Washington was quoted by one of the online publications saying this is part of Beijing’s bid to strengthen and entrench political, commercial, ideological, cultural and wider defence ties, as well as increase China’s global prestige among African countries.
Speaking to this blog, Esther John a resident of Daresalaam, called on the Tanzania government to ensure that the friendship and joint exercise is purely for the benefit of Tanzania especially it's citizens.
"My only plea to our government is please ensure that there is nothing hidden behind all this, at the end we as citizens should benefit from all this." said Esther.
Adding" We all know as Africans we are still dependant on the developed countries but let no one take advantage of this to their benefit."
Her sentiments were echoed with Rashid Juma, who called upon the Tanzanian government to put public details on the agreement.
"For the purpose of accountability and trust I would like to tell our government to please tell us (citizens) details about any agreement reached by our country and that of China." said Juma
Adding " we do not want to see a scenario later where citizens start complaining since it is known that such activities come with other negative effects."
