Chinese and South African leaders reaffirm growing defence cooperation, multilateralism and a shared commitment to international peace as the People’s Liberation Army prepares for its centenary in 2027.
By Frans Sello waga Machate I Pretoria, South Africa
PRETORIA – Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global security environment, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa on Thursday commemorated the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), with senior officials from China and South Africa using the occasion to reaffirm their shared commitment to peace, multilateral cooperation and deepening bilateral defence relations.
The anniversary reception, hosted by Major General Wu Wei, Defence Attaché of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa, drew an audience that reflected the significance of the occasion. Among those present were ambassadors and diplomats accredited to South Africa, defence attachés from several countries, senior military officers, government leaders, representatives of liberation movements and guests from academia, business and civil society.
More than a ceremonial celebration, the event served as a platform to reflect on nearly a century of the PLA’s evolution and to highlight China’s vision of international security based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
This year’s commemoration comes just one year before the PLA marks its centenary in 2027.
Founded on 1 August 1927 following the historic Nanchang Uprising, the People’s Liberation Army has grown from a revolutionary force into one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced militaries. Throughout its history, the PLA has played a central role in China’s national development while increasingly participating in international peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions under the auspices of the United Nations.
Opening the celebration, Major General Wu Wei paid tribute to generations of PLA officers and soldiers whose service, he said, had shaped China’s modern history.
“For 99 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the People’s Liberation Army has made immortal contributions to national independence, the liberation of the Chinese people and the safeguarding of national sovereignty, security and development interests,” he said.
Wu said China continues to modernize its armed forces while maintaining what he described as a defensive national defence policy aimed at preserving peace rather than pursuing expansion.
He stressed that China’s military development is inseparable from the country’s commitment to peaceful development and shared prosperity.
“The stronger China’s national defence becomes, the greater its contribution to safeguarding world peace,” he said.
The Defence Attaché also highlighted the steady growth of defence cooperation between China and African countries, particularly South Africa, saying military exchanges continue to strengthen mutual trust, enhance professional cooperation and contribute to regional stability.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng echoed those sentiments, saying the anniversary offered an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of the PLA but also to reaffirm China’s commitment to building a peaceful international order.
He said today’s world is confronted by mounting geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and emerging security threats that require countries to pursue cooperation instead of confrontation.
“China remains committed to the path of peaceful development and firmly upholds a defensive national defence policy,” Ambassador Wu said.
He added that China continues to champion multilateralism and supports resolving international disputes through dialogue and consultation, while promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening global peace, development and security.
The ambassador also praised the enduring strategic partnership between China and South Africa, describing the relationship as one built on mutual respect, political trust and practical cooperation.
He noted that defence cooperation has become an increasingly important pillar of bilateral relations, complementing collaboration in trade, infrastructure development, education, technology, health and cultural exchanges.
Representing the South African government, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga congratulated the Chinese government, the PLA and the Chinese people on the milestone anniversary.
She described the occasion as a celebration of the PLA’s enduring legacy and acknowledged its contribution to regional and international peace and security.
“The People’s Liberation Army has evolved into a modern defence force that continues to play an important role in maintaining China’s sovereignty while contributing meaningfully to international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts,” Motshekga said.
She reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening defence relations with China, noting that the two countries have cultivated a longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, strategic dialogue and shared aspirations for a more peaceful and equitable world.
According to Motshekga, cooperation between the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the PLA continues to expand through military education and training, high-level exchanges, defence diplomacy and peace support initiatives.
She said South Africa values its strategic partnership with China within multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where both countries continue to advocate for a more representative and inclusive international system.
Beyond commemorating the PLA’s rich history, the reception underscored the broader significance of defence diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations between Pretoria and Beijing.
As China prepares to celebrate the PLA’s 100th anniversary next year, officials said the country’s armed forces will continue pursuing modernization while remaining committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, supporting global peace and contributing to what Beijing describes as “a community with a shared future for mankind.”
The afternoon concluded with guests engaging in informal discussions on international security, defence cooperation and the enduring friendship between South Africa and China, relationships that both governments say will continue to deepen in the years ahead.
