Chinese and Tanzanian military personnel engaged in a spirited exchange on shooting techniques, highlighting the mutual benefits derived from their recent collaboration. “The training over these days has been immensely beneficial,” reflected a participant.
The 12-day “Beyond-2023” joint training session between the Chinese and Tanzanian Marine Corps concluded on 15th September at a training base in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. As the session drew to an end, Tanzanian military officer, Hamish, sought out his Chinese counterpart to express his gratitude for the enriching experience.
Despite global uncertainties, the bond between the Chinese and Tanzanian military has remained resilient and continues to strengthen. This year, almost nine years since the “Beyond-2014” joint training, the two nations’ marine corps were back, standing shoulder to shoulder on the training grounds.
“Sometimes, we don’t know each other until we ‘fight’,” remarked the Chinese squad leader. From day one, the physical combat training saw the two forces square off spiritedly. On the training field, Tanzanian marine, Mofena, displayed swift and powerful techniques. However, Sergeant Cui Zihao of the Chinese army, with six years of Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) experience, managed to deftly counter Mofena’s moves. Post-training, the two soldiers replayed their combat moves, exchanged techniques, and shared their experiences.
Despite differences in language, equipment, and training methodologies, the zeal for interaction was evident. During their mixed team training, soldiers sought help from interpreters, but also relied heavily on command gestures and signal conventions to communicate. They successfully completed diverse training modules, ranging from specialized shooting, drone operations, boat handling, prisoner capture techniques, battlefield first-aid, restraints and transportation, squad tactics, to counter-terrorism strategies. Both sides selflessly shared training insights, collaboratively studied combat strategies, and organized battle coordination, making the training increasingly effective.
“The closer the training to real combat scenarios, the deeper the integration, and the greater the takeaway,” a member of the Chinese guiding team commented. Notably, many Tanzanian participants had previous experience in peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions, bringing strong combat awareness and rich practical insights that the Chinese side found valuable.
Deep trust and rigorous training laid a solid foundation for the successful execution of the joint sessions. During a counter-terrorism drill, mixed teams demonstrated excellent synergy, showcasing a remarkable level of coordination and understanding as they methodically combed through target buildings.
Medical simulation exercises conducted by the Chinese team, replicating potential battlefield scenarios, held the rapt attention of Tanzanian soldiers. Tanzanian marine, Seif, quickly mastered the skills, earning applause for his swift and precise actions during a battlefield first-aid drill. “I truly wish you could stay longer, enabling me to grasp more techniques,” said Tanzanian medic Tino, expressing reluctance to part ways with Chinese military doctor, Zhu Yun. During the training, Dr. Zhu provided medical consultations for both sides, also introducing Tanzanian personnel to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Many Tanzanian marines experienced TCM treatments first-hand, praising its effectiveness in alleviating physical discomforts.
Skills improved during the training, while camaraderie flourished through exchanges. “Besides military competitions and technical exchanges, we also arranged sports competitions and mutual visits,” said a Chinese commander involved in the training. “These diverse activities not only elevated our combat readiness but also deepened the trust and friendship between our forces.”
Source: PLA Daily