The China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies published in May 2020 a policy brief titled "African Military Aircraft Procurement from China: A Case Study from Zambia" by Jyhjong Hwang.
China has sold the Zambian Air Force 44 percent of its current aircraft and helicopter inventory. The author concluded there is no indication that the increase in Chinese loans to Zambia is an attempt to gain access to Zambia's copper supply. Nor is there any indication that Zambia is being pressured into purchasing Chinese aircraft due to its current debt held by China.