Lin noted that the initiative is primarily aimed at nations in the African Great Lakes region and seeks to strengthen their capacity to manage this type of weaponry.

The spokesperson affirmed that the program aims to reduce the risks of illegal arms trafficking and support the African Union’s initiative to “silence the guns” on the continent.

He indicated that the training was jointly organized by China and the United Nations as part of security cooperation efforts.

He emphasized that Beijing attaches importance to peace and development in Africa and considers cooperation on small and light weapons control a relevant part of the “Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization” between China and Africa proposed by President Xi Jinping.

The official noted that this work is also among the priorities of the Global Security Initiative (GSI), boosted by China.

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