A few days ago, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China initiated the Peace Unity-2024 exercise in Mapinga, Tanzania. In the coming days, both countries will conduct counter-terrorism practices with the participation of troops, heavy equipment, and warships.
The exercise includes a land phase and a maritime phase. The land phase will cover joint combat planning, infiltration and reconnaissance, stealth assault and rescue, as well as decapitation and detention. The maritime phase will include joint main gun firing, search and rescue, as well as anti-terrorism and anti-piracy missions. The maritime phase is expected to last until August 5, and the land phase until August 11, according to official reports.
The exercise features two Type 071 amphibious transport docks, the Wuzhishan and Qilianshan, a Type 052D guided missile destroyer, the Hefei, and Y-20 strategic transport aircraft from the PLA Air Force. This is the first time China has sent entire units to an exercise in Africa with these aircraft, enhancing China’s long-range air deployment capability. It is also the first time the PLA has sent Type 071 landing ships to an exercise on the continent.
In addition to light weapons, various types of infantry fighting vehicles, assault vehicles, command vehicles, communication vehicles, explosive ordnance disposal vehicles, and drones have been showcased, according to a CCTV report.
Notably, this exercise involves not only Tanzania but also Mozambique, thus increasing trilateral cooperation on security matters. The PLA conducted field surveys and established command posts before the official start of the joint exercise on July 29.
Beijing has sent land units from the PLA Central Theater Command, as well as a naval flotilla from the PLA Southern Theater Command to participate in the exercise in East Africa. The participation of the Chinese Navy includes the 45th naval escort force, consisting of the guided missile destroyer Hefei and the amphibious transport docks Qilianshan and Wuzhishan. In total, nine maritime operations will be conducted, including joint port defense, anti-terrorism tactics, boarding and capture operations, and joint maritime patrols.
The arrival of the Chinese ships in Tanzania came shortly after the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark completed a week of medical services in the country during its Mission Harmony-2024. In March, the 45th Chinese naval fleet, including the guided missile destroyer Urumqi, the missile frigate Linyi, and the replenishment ship Dongpinghu, also visited Tanzania and Mozambique.
This exercise is part of Beijing’s effort to strengthen and solidify political, commercial, ideological, cultural, and defense ties with African countries, as well as to enhance China’s global prestige in the region. Tanzania has emerged as a key destination for Chinese military cooperation, with this being the fourth joint exercise since 2014.
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