Badaru Strengthens Defence Ties with China at Xiangshan Forum

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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has deepened strategic defence cooperation with China following a high-level bilateral meeting with Air Chief Marshal Xu Xueqiang, Minister of the Department of Equipment and Development, People’s Republic of China, on the sidelines of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

The discussions, held Thursday in Beijing, centred on advancing practical defence technology transfer, boosting indigenous military production in Nigeria, and broadening defence-industrial collaboration.

Both delegations considered concrete areas of partnership, including strengthening industrial linkages between Nigerian and Chinese defence manufacturers, building Nigeria’s technical and institutional capacity, enhancing interoperability through cooperative training and exchange programmes, and developing sustainable technology transfer models aligned with Nigerian law and international obligations.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting underscores Nigeria’s determination to pursue transparent and mutually beneficial arrangements aimed at bolstering national defence capability while supporting economic and technological growth at home. Both sides agreed to assign relevant agencies to follow up with technical studies and proposals that could translate into concrete programmes and formal agreements.

The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a global platform drawing defence and security officials, military leaders and experts from across the world, provides an opportunity for participants to deliberate on international and regional security challenges. Nigeria’s participation, officials say, reflects the country’s strong commitment to active engagement in international defence diplomacy and capacity building.

Mati Ali, PA (Media & Publicity) to the Honourable Minister, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

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