The Chinese Embassy in Rwanda hosted a reception on February 20 to introduce and welcome Defence Attaché Capt (Navy) Li Dayi, the first-ever Chinese Defence Attaché accredited to Rwanda.

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The event showcased the existing good ties between the Chinese and Rwandan militaries and enhanced mutual understanding and friendship among all defence attachés stationed in Rwanda. Amb Wang Xuekun, China’s envoy to Rwanda, highlighted the significance of this milestone in China-Rwanda relations, emphasizing the evolving friendly cooperation between the two countries.

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China’s envoy expressed confidence in Defence Attaché Li's role in further advancing bilateral relations. The envoy said, " In recent years, the two countries have continued to exchange high-level visits. Our two militaries also have a long history of friendly exchanges and fruitful cooperation.

"For instance, the Chinese-style military parade at the ceremony in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Rwanda, in particular, has become a much-told tale. The Defence Attaché's appointment signifies a new chapter in China-Rwanda relations, and I am confident that his tenure will further propel our mutual development.”

The new Defence Attaché is a seasoned military diplomat.

He has served in the Navy and the Ministry of Defence of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. He has served as the Deputy Defence Attaché in Liberia and Italy, respectively.

Li pledged to elevate pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries to new heights, contributing to the continued growth of cooperation.

He said: "As an important part of bilateral relations, the Chinese and Rwandan military relations have maintained a sound development momentum in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit, thus enhancing strategic mutual trust.

"I am ready to do my utmost to promote pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries to a new level in the future, and to help the Sino-Rwandan friendship and cooperative partnership achieve new results."

Providing context on China's national defence policy and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Li highlighted China's commitment to defensive military strategies and its contributions to international peacekeeping efforts, disaster relief operations, and naval security, reflecting the country's stance as a responsible global actor.

Li's deployment comes following the October 2023 visit to China by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff Gen Mubarakh Muganga where he held discussions with his counterpart Gen Liu Zhenli, the Chief of Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Communist Party of China.

Representing RDF at the reception, Maj Gen John Baptist Ngiruwonsanga, the Commandant of General Headquarters, re-affirmed Rwanda's commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with China.

He said: "Since 2007, the PLA has been educating and training Rwandan troops and paratroopers in various fields, both in peace and civil war, and over the years, we've worked together in other areas as well.

"One of our focuses is enhanced military cooperation through bilateral and allied armed forces. We believe that no single country can confront wide security challenges single-handedly. It is therefore paramount for us to build trust with each other through effective diplomacy and relatively contribute to global security.”

Bilateral trade between China and Rwanda has registered steady and rapid growth, increasing by 31.2 per cent to $477 million in 2022, compared to the previous year.