China and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their enduring military partnership and commitment to strengthening defence cooperation during celebrations marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) at the Chinese Embassy in Harare.
Speaking during the celebration, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the PLA had spent nearly a century safeguarding China’s sovereignty while contributing to global peace.
“The past 99 years have witnessed an extraordinary journey of the PLA. It is, and always has been, a people’s army: of the people, by the people, for the people,” he said.
Recalling China’s support for Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, Ambassador Zhou said the revolutionary bond between the two nations remained strong.
“This noble revolutionary spirit transcends national boundaries. China stood firmly alongside Zimbabwe throughout its arduous liberation struggle,” he said.
He pledged China’s continued support for Zimbabwe’s development, saying, “As Zimbabwe advances its NDS2 and Vision 2030, China will remain its most reliable and steadfast partner today, tomorrow and always.”
Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu, praised China’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and defence development.
General Matatu- Ambassador Zhou Ding
“The ZDF and the generality of Zimbabweans remain indebted to the PLA and the People of China for the immeasurable support extended to the freedom fighters during Zimbabwe’s war of liberation.
“For the ZDF, the PLA has always been a reliable partner in our development. The good relations that exist between our two leaders have taken the cooperation between the PLA and the ZDF to the highest level of all-weather friendship,” said General Matatu.
He said Zimbabwe would continue benefiting from the partnership as it modernises its defence forces.
Senior Colonel Wang Zhenyu said the PLA remained committed to safeguarding international peace.
“The People’s Liberation Army of China is a peace-loving force and a steadfast pillar of global peace and stability. The Chinese military stands ready to continue enhancing cooperation with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. We are committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts in defence modernisation and capacity building,” Senior Colonel Wang Zhenyu said.
Senior Colonel Wang Zhenyu
The event underscored the historic friendship between the two countries and their shared commitment to expanding military cooperation and promoting peace.
