China, East Africa deepen security ties to combat cross-border cybercrime

China hosted East African security ministers and police chiefs in Lianyungang on September 10 to discuss terrorism, kidnapping, and online fraud, with Beijing pledging stronger law-enforcement cooperation. This marks a notable expansion of China's security engagement in Africa, moving beyond economic ties into operational security collaboration. The initiative signals a growing alignment between China and African states on cybercrime enforcement, potentially reshaping regional security dynamics.