HARARE, Jul. 25 (NewsDay Live) – China and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their longstanding military partnership, commitment to peace, territorial sovereignty and international cooperation as the Chinese Embassy in Harare commemorated the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The reception, held on Friday, brought together senior government officials, Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commanders, liberation war veterans, diplomats and members of the Chinese community to celebrate a relationship rooted in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and strengthened through decades of defence, economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding said the PLA had evolved over the past 99 years into “a people’s army” dedicated to safeguarding China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and development while contributing to global peace and stability.
Quoting the Shona proverb “Simba rehove riri mumvura” (“The strength of the fish comes from the water”), Zhou said the military’s strength lay in its close relationship with the people.
“Our partnership is rooted in profound revolutionary camaraderie, strengthened through equality and mutual respect, and energised by win-win cooperation,” Zhou said.
“China will remain Zimbabwe’s reliable and steadfast partner.”
The ambassador paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes and recalled China’s support during the liberation struggle through diplomatic backing, military training and political solidarity. He also welcomed the recent visit to China by Zimbabwean liberation war veterans led by Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Monica Mavhunga, describing it as another milestone in strengthening historical ties.
Chinese Defence Attaché Senior Colonel Wang Zhenyu said the PLA remained committed to safeguarding world peace while defending China’s sovereignty and national interests.
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“Security is fundamental to the well-being of all nations,” Wang said.
He noted that China had deployed more than 50,000 military personnel to 26 United Nations peacekeeping missions over the past three decades and that Chinese naval escort missions had protected thousands of commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden since 2008.
Wang said the Chinese military was ready to deepen cooperation with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in education, training, peacekeeping, logistics, counter-terrorism and capacity building.
Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu, the guest of honour, thanked China for its support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and in strengthening the country’s defence capabilities after independence.
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the people of Zimbabwe remain indebted to the PLA and the people of China for the immeasurable support extended to our freedom fighters,” Matatu said.
He said defence cooperation had enhanced Zimbabwe’s military capabilities through training, equipment support and professional exchanges, expressing confidence that the relationship would continue benefiting future generations.
The anniversary comes less than two weeks before Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes Day and the 46th anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, both of which honour national sacrifice, patriotism and military service.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of preserving liberation history. Zimbabwean sculptor Tracy Chatsama and documentary producers were recognised for helping preserve the legacy of the liberation struggle and the enduring relationship between the ZDF and the PLA through monuments and historical documentation.
The event also acknowledged the humanitarian dimension of bilateral relations, with the 23rd Chinese Medical Team commended for providing medical assistance to Zimbabwean liberation war veterans, including some who received military and political training in China during the liberation struggle.
Founded on August 1, 1927, following the Nanchang Uprising, the People’s Liberation Army has grown into China’s national military force and now participates in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and maritime security operations worldwide.
The anniversary celebrations concluded with a shared message from Chinese and Zimbabwean officials that peace, mutual respect, sovereignty and cooperation remain central to the enduring partnership between the two countries.
