BEIJING - China on Wednesday said its military's involvement in Africa contributed to continental peace and security.

"The Chinese military's exchanges and cooperation with militaries of African countries are in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations(UN) and relevant international law," Defense Ministry Spokesman Yang Yujun said at a daily press briefing.

Yang reviewed the Chinese military's active participation in African security issues over recent years, including its participation in 15 UN peace-keeping missions in Africa that involved more than 15,000 Chinese peacekeepers.

China sent its first convoy fleet to the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters in December 2008. By October 25 this year, Chinese naval flotillas had escorted a total of 4,228 vessels, protecting them from pirates, Yang said.

China also helped train African militaries to sweep mines and provided them with mine-sweeping equipment, Yang said.

When African countries were devastated by serious natural disasters, Chinese militaries helped the government provide those countries with emergency humanitarian aid, including medical teams and medicine, Yang said.

"It is obvious to the international community that the Chinese military has contributed to African peace and security," Yang said.