Inside China and Tanzania’s ‘very special relationship’ – found nowhere else in Africa

Enduring China-Tanzania military partnership dating back to 1964 represents a ‘unique bond’ as Sino-African relations deepen, study says

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The 45th Chinese naval fleet visits Tanzania in March last year as part of their ‘very special relationship’. Photo: Weibo/PLA Navy

Published: 6:00pm, 6 Jul 2025Updated: 7:11pm, 6 Jul 2025

Over the past two decades, China has considerably broadened its military and security diplomacy throughout Africa, establishing ties with 53 of the continent’s 54 countries, with eSwatini the only exception.

Observers say that among those countries, Tanzania stands out as an exceptionally strong and enduring military partner for Beijing, with more than 90 per cent of its military arms coming from China.

According to a study released last month by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, Tanzania has “a very special relationship” with China’s People’s Liberation Army, “one you will not find in any other African country”.

Tanzania’s military inventory, order of battle, battle doctrine and service doctrine are heavily inspired by the PLA, according to the study.

“This enduring influence stems from the PLA’s involvement in setting up and building the Tanzania People’s Defence Force from 1964 to the present day, which fully explains their unique bond,” said study author Paul Nantulya, a China-Africa specialist at the centre, which is part of Washington’s National Defence University.

Tanzania is among African nations – including Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe – where liberation movement parties have monopolised power since independence, and these nations have the closest ties with China on the continent.

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