Celebrating a century of Chinese military heritage
Libreville recently hosted a distinguished gathering at the Chinese embassy, commemorating the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The event underscored the enduring bond between China and Gabon, framed by themes of remembrance, peace, and bilateral collaboration.
Addressing the audience, China’s ambassador to Gabon, Zhou Ping, highlighted the robust partnership between Libreville and Beijing. He noted that 2024 marks the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a milestone set to be further celebrated with a state visit by Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to China in November, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The ambassador also reflected on pivotal historical milestones for China, including the upcoming 2026 commemorations of the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. In his address, he emphasized the PLA’s pivotal role in shaping China’s national independence, economic progress, and socialist modernization in the contemporary era.
“For over a century, the Communist Party of China has steered the nation and its armed forces toward remarkable achievements in safeguarding sovereignty, fostering development, and advancing Chinese-style socialism in this new era,” Zhou Ping remarked, addressing a hall filled with high-ranking officials and diplomats.
China’s global peace agenda takes center stage
Amidst a backdrop of global turbulence and escalating conflicts, the Chinese envoy reaffirmed Beijing’s unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue. He spotlighted the four global initiatives introduced by President Xi Jinping—focused on development, security, cultural exchange, and international governance—as pillars of China’s vision for global stability and shared prosperity.
The ambassador cited tangible examples of Sino-Gabonese cooperation to illustrate this partnership. Among them, the visit of the “Peace Ark” in 2024—a Chinese hospital ship that made its second stop in Gabon—and the recent reception of a Chinese military medical delegation in Libreville, both of which have bolstered defense ties between the two nations.
New leadership strengthens ties
The evening also served as a platform to introduce Gabon’s defense community to the country’s newly appointed military attaché, Colonel Zhang Song. His presence symbolizes the evolving nature of China-Gabon military collaboration and the deepening trust between the two governments.
