Chinese army hails ties with ZDF

Shiping following General (Constantine) Chiwenga’s visit to China simply demonstrates how close we are. Just a few days ago, we received a delegation of commanders of brigades and air force bases,” he said.
Snr Col Ju said illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West had crippled ZDF’s operations.
He said the PLA had, however, continued to assist the ZDF.
“At present, PLA is doing its best to help the ZDF. Because of the illegal sanctions, ZDF is now facing challenges and PLA has provided assistance in the field, in health, office equipment and personnel training.”
Snr Col Ju said every year the ZDF sent almost 100 officers to China for training.
He said China contributed much to the independence of Zimbabwe and since then relations between the two countries blossomed.
“At independence, the two countries established diplomatic relations. As China, we are pleased with the independence of Zimbabwe because China made its contribution to the achievement,” he said.
Turning to the PLA’s 85th anniversary, Snr Col Ju said PLA was founded on August 1, 1927.
He said since then, the PLA — under the leadership of the Communist party — had worked hard to defend the independence of China.
“Since then, the PLA has undertaken the sacred duty of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and made great contributions to national development, emergency rescue and disaster relief,” he said.
Snr Col Ju said China had pledged to pursue a road of peaceful development and working with other nations.
He said China remained committed to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances.