China Celebrates 97 Years of People’s Liberation Army with Special Event in Uganda
The 97th anniversary celebration underscored the deepening military and diplomatic ties between China and Uganda, reflecting their enduring friendship and strategic partnership.
The Chinese Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, hosted a vibrant ceremony to commemorate the 97th anniversary of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The event took place on July 30 and was presided over by Zhang Lizhong, the Chinese ambassador to Uganda.
The ceremony, held in the Kololo suburbs of Kampala, saw the attendance of various foreign delegations and dignitaries. A key highlight of the event was the official reception of Colonel Zhang Hao, the new China Defense Attaché to Uganda. This marks the first time a defense attaché has been assigned to Uganda in the history of China-Uganda relations.
Ambassador Zhang Lizhong highlighted China’s significant contributions to global peacekeeping efforts. He noted that China is the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the second largest contributor of peacekeeping funding. Zhang emphasized that China has sent over 50,000 troops to participate in peacekeeping missions worldwide, advocating for peace in some of the most challenging regions.
The ambassador further stated that China adheres to a policy of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and promotes objectivity and fairness. He expressed optimism about the strengthening of China-Uganda relations, which will be further reinforced at the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing in early September.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, conveyed Uganda’s appreciation for its strategic partnership with China. In a message read by Major General Henry Masiko, Kainerugaba acknowledged China’s support throughout Uganda’s history, including during the anti-colonial struggle. He praised the ongoing cooperation in defense, security, trade, investment, and cultural development.
General Kainerugaba’s message highlighted the continuous exchange of defense attaches and the provision of equipment and technology by China to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). He affirmed that Uganda values the robust and supportive relationship with China, which has played a crucial role in Uganda’s security and regional stability.
Colonel Zhang Hao, who officially opened the Defense Attaché’s office in Uganda, expressed his commitment to enhancing military relations between the two nations. He aims to promote strategic communication and cooperation between the Ugandan and Chinese armed forces, reflecting on their shared military management concepts.
Colonel Zhang noted that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, Uganda and China’s military forces have similar management principles, particularly in political-military building. He acknowledged the UPDF’s role in regional peace and stability and expressed confidence in the continued growth of bilateral relations.
