China donates computers, laser printers to S. African forces

South Africa signed a military agreement on Tuesday with China that saw the Asian country donating electronic equipment for use in training military personnel.

China donated 100 computers and another 100 laser printers for training members of the South African National Defense Force.

Defense Minister Mosiuoa Lekota signed a letter of offer and acceptance with General Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission.

Lekota referred to the donation as marking another milestone in developing and strengthening close and friendly bilateral relations between the two countries.

"The People's Republic of China played a crucial role in ensuring that our struggle against apartheid succeeded and that we attain our freedom," he added.

He told Guo that the relations between China and South Africa grew from strength to strength, with the two establishing diplomatic relations in 1998.

The minister said the two countries had cooperated on a broad range of issues and had agreements in the fields of police cooperation, trade, economic, science and technology.