China donates USD 3.7 million to Cameroon for military equipment purchase.

China has donated 50 million Yuan (US$7.3million) to Cameroon (west Africa) to purchase military equipment of its own choice. On 18 July, both countries signed a protocol at Yaounde, the capital city, to confirm the donation. The type and quantity of military equipment Cameroon will buy on a 5-year period from China will be determined by Cameroonian officials based on their needs.

Chinese-made 07P IFV of the Cameroon army (Picture source: Twitter)

China will offer the cost of transporting the military equipment from China to the port city of Douala. Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo noted that it is the fifth time China is supporting the army and the National Gendarmerie with military equipment. This being said, this "donation" should be considered in the perspective of the wide effort of China to develop its presence in Africa and create binding ties with the assisted countries, at least economically speaking.