BY BRENNA MATENDERE
THE Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe today commemorated the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Ambassador Zhou Ding underscored the profound significance of the event, as it coincided with the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic ties, which are firmly rooted in a shared and unwavering commitment to global peace, justice, and common prosperity.
“The China-Zimbabwe Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation stands as a model for international relations — anchored in equality, fortified by mutual respect, and energized by win-win cooperation. As Zimbabwe advances on its path toward industrialization and the realization of Vision 2030, China will remain its most reliable and steadfast partner — today, tomorrow, and for all the years to come,” he said.
Ambassador Zhou expressed appreciation to Defence Attache, Senior Colonel Wang Zhenyu for his outstanding work in deepening military-to-military ties between China and Zimbabwe since his arrival one and half years ago.
On his part, Colonel Wang said as the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe is marked, bilateral relations between the two countries have withstood the test of time and international changes.
“Looking ahead, the Chinese military is willing to continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Zimbabwe defence forces across various fields such as high-level mutual visits, education and training, defense and military equipment cooperation, and peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. China will continue to assist Zimbabwe in strengthening its defense and stability maintenance capacity building, and playing a more active role in safeguarding regional and global peace and stability,” he said.
In the past 35 years, China has sent more than 50,000 peacekeepers to participate in UN peacekeeping operations. As the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping, China earnestly fulfills its international obligations. It maintains an 8,000 standby peacekeeping force, and currently has nearly 1,800 peacekeepers performing duties in seven mission areas. International waterways are the arteries of the global economy, and their security is crucial to global development and stability. In line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Chinese military has deployed naval ships to conduct escort operations in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off the coast of Somalia.
As of May 2025, the Chinese military had provided protection for over 1600 batches of ships of various countries and rescued nearly 100 vessels of various types. The Chinese military has actively participated in international disaster relief and humanitarian aid, dispatched professional teams to disaster-affected countries, provided relief materials and medical assistance to disaster area. The Chinese naval hospital ship “Peace Ark” has visited 49 countries and regions to carry out the “Harmonious Mission” series of tasks.
August 1st—China’s revered “Bayi Festival” — marks the revolutionary dawn of the People’s Liberation Army, born from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising.
This defining moment forged a military force of the people, by the people, and for the people—an army whose legacy of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering loyalty has safeguarded China’s sovereignty and shaped its destiny for 98 years.
The PLA stands as the guardian of China’s national security, a beacon of patriotism that inspires its people to cherish hard-won sovereignty, uphold the Chinese path to modernization, and contribute to global peace and prosperity.
This year holds profound significance for China’s military forces and for China — it marks the 80th anniversary of victory in both the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Across 14 grueling years (1931-1945), China waged a heroic struggle against brutal fascist invasion, making pivotal contributions to the ultimate triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War. The victory stands as eternal testament to a universal truth: that unity can conquer darkness and justice shall prevail.
The lessons resonate far beyond China’s borders to Zimbabwe’s own struggle for liberation and in every nation’s quest for dignity.
The Global Security Initiative (GSI), proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2022, embodies a vision deeply shared with Zimbabwe: resolving conflicts through dialogue, advancing peace through cooperation, and building a world free from conflict and strife.
“Amid unprecedented global challenges, China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe and all peace-loving nations to create an inclusive, balanced security architecture for our collective future. And hand in hand, we will champion an equal and orderly multipolar world while advancing inclusive, mutually beneficial economic globalization,” said Ambassador Zhou.
In this era of interconnectedness and shared destiny, the partnership between China and Zimbabwe transcends mere diplomatic ties; it is a beacon of hope for a world where nations rise together, where peace is not just an aspiration but a reality, and where the dreams of prosperity and dignity are within reach for all. As we celebrate the milestones of the past, let us also look forward with optimism and determination to a future where our joint efforts continue to shape a more harmonious and just global community.
