MDF eyes AI warfare as China expands support

By Clever Mwale: Malawi has unveiled plans to modernise the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) by strengthening military cooperation with China, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and advanced defence technologies. TOUTED DEVELOPMENT—Kaupa Defence Minister Feston Kaupa said the partnership reflected Malawi's ambition to build a modern military that would be capable of responding to both conventional and emerging threats, including cybercrime and humanitarian crises. Speaking during celebrations marking the 99th anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Lilongwe, Kaupa said the defence relationship had gone beyond military exchanges to include specialised training, equipment support and institutional development. "We are talking about artificial intelligence and the adoption of artificial intelligence in military operations. These are some of the advanced technologies that we would like to adopt and learn from the Chinese army," Kaunda said. Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Lu Xu said the two countries would deepen military cooperation following recent high-level engagements. "Discussions are focusing on additional equipment supplies, capacity building and advanced training for commanders and soldier," Lu said. The renewed cooperation comes as China is helping Africa through military education, peacekeeping support and equipment assistance. For Malawi, the partnership also supports the MDF's growing participation in regional and United Nations peacekeeping missions, where modern technology and specialised skills are increasingly essential. Beyond defence, Lu announced an additional $3 million in emergency food assistance, bringing China's food support to Malawi this year to S$7 million, underscoring Beijing's broader engagement in agriculture, health, infrastructure and humanitarian assistance.

WIRE — By Clever Mwale: Malawi has unveiled plans to modernise the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) by strengthening military cooperation with China, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and advanced defence technologies. TOUTED DEVELOPMENT—Kaupa Defence Minister Feston Kaupa said the partnership reflected Malawi's ambition to build a modern military that would be capable of responding to both conventional and emerging threats, including cybercrime and humanitarian crises. Speaking during celebrations marking the 99th anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Lilongwe, Kaupa said the defence relationship had gone beyond military exchanges to include specialised training, equipment support and institutional development. "We are talking about artificial intelligence and the adoption of artificial intelligence in military operations. These are some of the advanced technologies that we would like to adopt and learn from the Chinese army," Kaunda said. Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Lu Xu said the two countries would deepen military cooperation following recent high-level engagements. "Discussions are focusing on additional equipment supplies, capacity building and advanced training for commanders and soldier," Lu said. The renewed cooperation comes as China is helping Africa through military education, peacekeeping support and equipment assistance. For Malawi, the partnership also supports the MDF's growing participation in regional and United Nations peacekeeping missions, where modern technology and specialised skills are increasingly essential. Beyond defence, Lu announced an additional $3 million in emergency food assistance, bringing China's food support to Malawi this year to S$7 million, underscoring Beijing's broader engagement in agriculture, health, infrastructure and humanitarian assistance.

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