China could help fight illegal arms trade fuelling conflict in Africa, experts say

While the illicit weapons may not be traced to China, they say Beijing could take a more active role in peace and security

Engaging Beijing on small arms and light weapons control issues seen as ‘useful way forward’ given its growing influence

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Growing insecurity has been a challenge for China in some African nations where it has invested heavily. Photo: Reuters

Published: 12:00pm, 5 Dec 2023Updated: 3:08pm, 5 Dec 2023

China – a major supplier of weapons to Africa – could help fight the illicit arms trade that is fuelling deadly conflicts across the continent, according to experts.

They say China could also play a role in upholding international law and norms governing arms transfers.

The assessment comes after President Xi Jinping told African leaders at the Brics summit in Johannesburg in August that China would work with them to “safeguard a peaceful and secure global environment”.

He said Beijing would support efforts to “build a new Africa that enjoys peace, unity, prosperity and strength” including the African Union’s initiative to “silence the guns” across the continent.

China is Africa’s largest trading partner and a major financier of mega infrastructure projects such as ports, railways, highways and power dams under its trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative.

But growing insecurity has been a challenge, with some countries where China has heavily invested – especially in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region – hit by military coups.