The 99th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army of China was commemorated recently in Libreville, blending reflections on history with a celebration of Sino-Gabonese partnership. The event, held at the Chinese embassy, brought together diplomats, officials, and military leaders to honor decades of cooperation.
The Chinese ambassador to Gabon, Zhou Ping, highlighted the robust ties between Libreville and Beijing, noting that this year also marks the 52nd anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. He revealed that President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is set to visit China in November at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, further solidifying the bond between the countries.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Zhou underscored key milestones for China in 2026: the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. In his address, he praised the Party’s century-long contribution to national independence, economic growth, and the advancement of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the modern era.
“For over a hundred years, the CCP has led the Chinese people and its armed forces in achieving remarkable feats for the nation’s sovereignty, development, and the construction of socialism tailored to China’s unique context,” he told the gathered dignitaries.
The diplomat emphasized China’s commitment to peace amid a world marked by instability and conflict. He reiterated Beijing’s adherence to negotiation and dialogue, outlining the “four global initiatives” proposed by President Xi Jinping—focused on development, security, civilization, and international governance—as pillars of Chinese wisdom in fostering global stability and prosperity.
Two recent initiatives were cited as tangible examples of the expanding military cooperation between Gabon and China: the 2024 visit of the “Peace Arch” hospital ship, which made its second stop in Gabon, and the recent hosting of a Chinese military medical mission in Libreville. These efforts, he noted, have injected fresh momentum into bilateral defense collaboration.
The evening also served as an introduction to Gabon’s evolving defense landscape, with the unveiling of the new Chinese military attaché, Colonel Zhang Song, who will represent Beijing’s defense interests in the country.
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