Gen. Fan Changlong inspects an honor guard of the Tanzania People's Defense Forces at Dar es Salaam. (Photo : Tanzania People's Defense Forces)
The United Republic of Tanzania in eastern Africa and China have agreed to further bolster military ties following the three-day visit of a ranking general of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
There are rumors the PLA might want to establish a military base in Tanzania, which if approved, would be its second overseas military naval base. China's first overseas base, in nearby Djibouti, will open in 2017.
General Fan Changlong, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the PLA, met with Tazanian President John Magufuli during the former's visit intended to implement a consensus reached by President Magufuli and Chinese President Xi Jinping that further advanced relations between the two countries whose diplomatic ties go back to 1970.
President Magufuli told Gen. Fan to assure Xi of Tanzania's continued military cooperation in strengthening the fighting capacity of both their armies. Both leaders also discussed a range of issues based on the long-standing military cooperation between their countries.
President Magufuli said Tanzania values this militarycooperation, which has largely contributed to strengthening the Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF) and turning it into a modern, well equipped army.
"I am pleased with your visit to our country," said Pres. Magafuli.
"The visit will further cement the existing relations and cooperation between our countries, which were pioneered by our founding fathers, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere of Tanzania and the late Chairman Mao Tse-tung of China.
"Please tell President Xi that apart from our military cooperation, we would like to see China in the frontline in supporting us in our development efforts by setting up industries and implementing other projects such as construction of the Central Railway Line at standard gauge quality," he said.
Gen. Fan said China will continue strengthening military cooperation with Tanzania by building the capacity of the TPDF. He said China is willing to work together with Tanzania to constantly deepen bilateral military cooperation and boost their military ties. Gen. Fan also appreciated Tanzania's achievements in national and military construction.
