The China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies published in May 2020 a report titled "Logics of Arms Deals: Multilevel Evidence from China-Zambia Relations" by Jyhjong Hwang, PhD student.
The paper develops five explanations for understanding the arms trade relationship between Zambia and China. They include historical military experience and bilateral relations, current strategic concerns in both defense and financing, domestic political economy, a psychological quest for prestige, and systemic concerns.
