Online Reporter
Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri
It is my singular honour to stand before you today at this important occasion marking the 2025 Chinese National Army Day commemorations in Zimbabwe.
ON behalf of His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, ED Mnangagwa, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe and my own behalf, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the People’s Liberation Army on its 98th anniversary.
The commemorations afford us an important opportunity to reflect on the historic formation of the People’s Liberation Army on August 1, 1927.
Despite encountering numerous challenges, the People’s Liberation Army has endured and grown to be a strong force for peace and harmony across the globe.
It is pleasing to note that the People’s Liberation Army has not only grown to become the cornerstone of the massive political and socio-economic transformation of the People’s Republic of China but also made huge contributions towards the decolonisation of many countries, including Zimbabwe.
At the same time, the People’s Liberation Army is also making huge strides towards contributing to international peace and security. This is driven by the People’s Republic of China’s desire for a peaceful and secure world.
Initiatives such as the Global Security Initiative and bilateral and multilateral cooperation on defence and security with various countries, especially in Africa, are a clear demonstration of the People’s Republic of China’s commitment to global peace and security.
This year’s commemorations are taking place at a time when the global peace and security environment is characterised by the emergence of a plethora of new security threats.
These include recurring climate-induced disasters, cyber security, human and drug trafficking.
The threats are not only intertwined but also cut across international boundaries; combating
them calls for concerted global efforts.
Nurturing lasting global peace and security is a shared responsibility.
Initiatives such as the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum; and China-Africa Police and Law Enforcement Forum that fall under the FOCAC are proving to be instrumental in promoting dialogue and cooperation in this regard.
The People’s Republic of China is demonstrating its commitment to international peace and security in our region by cooperating with the African Union (AU), and this is complemented by bilateral cooperation with individual countries.
The African Union is receiving capacity-building support for its Standby Force.
The support extended includes financial assistance, procurement of equipment and training.
A strong African Union Standby Force will go a long way in helping Africa to amass capacity in important areas in peacebuilding covering conflict prevention, management and resolutions.
This complements the AU’s efforts to build sustainable peace and security on the continent by silencing the guns and ending all forms of violence. Some of the teething security challenges in Africa emanate from the economic challenges on the continent.
Africa has a young and growing population amid high levels of poverty, a huge infrastructure gap and unsustainable levels of unemployment.
This is, however, changing given the growing economic cooperation between Africa and China, which is seeing a rise in Chinese investments on the continent.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador (Mr Zhou Ding) for organising and inviting us to this important occasion.
My gratitude also goes to the Chinese community in Zimbabwe, especially the business community, for the contributions being made towards our national developmental agenda.
Again wishing the People’s Liberation Army a happy anniversary.
Allow me to conclude by once again wishing the People’s Liberation Army a happy 98th anniversary.
Congratulations!
This speech was read by Air Marshal Jacob Nzvede on Friday on behalf of Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the reception in celebration of the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army.
