Ethiopia: Ethiopia, China Pledge to Deepen Military and Strategic Cooperation

What the report says

Ethiopia and China have said they want to deepen their military and strategic partnership, according to the Ethiopian News Agency report distributed by AllAfrica. The discussion took place in Addis Ababa during talks between Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Mohamed Idris, and Chinese Ambassador Chen Hai. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in the defense industry, technology transfer, and military training.

The report says both sides agreed to strengthen their longstanding military ties and raise bilateral strategic cooperation. Mohamed highlighted the value of maintaining what he described as a historic defense relationship, while seeking broader collaboration in areas such as defense industrial development and capacity-building. He also linked Ethiopia’s security efforts to wider regional and international peace and stability, and urged China to remain supportive.

Chen, for his part, reiterated China’s interest in closer military and strategic relations with Ethiopia. He also signaled readiness to expand cooperation in the defense industry and pointed to outcomes already achieved through investment and bilateral engagement, according to ENA.

The development fits into a broader pattern of Ethiopia-China relations, which have often included political, economic, and infrastructure ties alongside defense contacts. The report does not specify any new agreement or timeline, but it indicates both governments want to advance cooperation further.