By Frans Sello waga Machate I Pretoria, South Africa
PRETORIA – The Chinese Embassy in South Africa today, commemorated the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), with senior government leaders, diplomats and military officials reaffirming the importance of peace, international cooperation and the growing defence relationship between China and South Africa.
The anniversary reception, hosted by Major General Wu Wei, Defence Attaché of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa, brought together ambassadors and diplomats accredited to South Africa, defence attachés, senior military officers, government representatives, members of liberation movements and guests from various sectors at the embassy in Pretoria.
The event celebrated nearly a century of the PLA’s evolution from a revolutionary force into one of the world’s largest modern armed forces while highlighting its role in safeguarding China’s sovereignty and contributing to international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.
The People’s Liberation Army traces its origins to 1 August 1927, when the Nanchang Uprising marked the beginning of China’s armed revolutionary movement. The date is commemorated annually as the founding day of the PLA. Over the past 99 years, the military has undergone extensive modernization, transforming into a technologically advanced force as China prepares to mark the PLA’s centenary in 2027.
Addressing guests, Major General Wu Wei described the anniversary as an important milestone in the PLA’s development and reflected on its contributions over the past nine decades.
“During the past 99 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the PLA has made immortal contributions to saving the nation from peril, achieving national liberation and making great contributions to world peace,” he said.
Wu said the PLA is advancing towards its centenary goal of defence and military modernization while remaining committed to safeguarding China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national development interests.
He also highlighted the growing military cooperation between China and African countries, including South Africa, saying such partnerships are based on mutual respect, equality and shared aspirations for peace and development.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said the anniversary was not only an opportunity to honour members of the PLA but also to reaffirm China’s commitment to peaceful development and international security.
He noted that the world continues to face significant security challenges and stressed that China consistently advocates dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over conflict and mutually beneficial partnerships over zero-sum competition.
The ambassador said China remains committed to a defensive national defence policy and continues to support international peace through initiatives aimed at promoting global security, development and cooperation.
He also praised the longstanding friendship between China and South Africa, saying the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries continues to deepen across various sectors, including defence, trade, infrastructure, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Representing the South African government, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga congratulated the PLA on its 99th anniversary and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence relations with China.
“The PLA’s history is one of resilience, discipline and service to the nation,” Motshekga said.
“Over nearly a century, it has grown into a modern force that not only safeguards China’s sovereignty but also contributes to global peace and stability.”
She said South Africa values its defence partnership with China, which has expanded through military exchanges, professional training, peacekeeping cooperation and strategic dialogue.
Motshekga noted that both countries share a common commitment to multilateralism, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
She also acknowledged recent high-level military engagements between the two countries, describing them as evidence of the growing strategic relationship between the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the PLA.
The reception concluded with renewed commitments from both countries to continue enhancing defence cooperation while contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development on the African continent and globally.As the PLA approaches its centenary next year, Chinese officials said the military will continue pursuing modernization while adhering to China’s stated policy of peaceful development and building what Beijing describes as a community with a shared future for mankind.
