Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi
Zimpapers Politics Hub
As the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) approaches its centenary next year, China has reaffirmed that the force will continue playing a central role not only in safeguarding national development but also in deepening military cooperation and promoting peace with partners such as Zimbabwe.
Speaking at celebrations marking the PLA’s 99th anniversary in Harare on Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhou Ding, described the army as a force that had evolved from a revolutionary movement into a modern military committed to defending China’s sovereignty while contributing to global peace and stability.
“The past 99 years have witnessed an extraordinary journey of the PLA,” Mr Zhou said.
“Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the PLA has fought relentlessly to secure China’s liberation, sovereignty, territorial integrity and developmental interests and has contributed to world peace and stability. It is – and always has been – a people’s army: of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Ambassador Zhou said the anniversary was also an opportunity to reflect on the historic military ties between China and Zimbabwe, forged during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
He said China had supported Zimbabwe with diplomatic backing, military training and equipment during the fight against colonial rule, while also sharing the philosophy of a people-centred revolution.
Quoting the Shona proverb “Simba rehove riri mumvura” (the strength of the fish comes from the water), Ambassador Zhou said the saying reflected the enduring principle that a people’s army derives its strength from the people it serves.
He said the People’s Liberation Army and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces shared common revolutionary origins.
“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are both people’s armies, forged in revolutionary struggles and hardened by immense challenges,” he said.
“We take pride in the growing strategic coordination and practical cooperation between our two militaries, including training and logistics, which have tangibly boosted Zimbabwe’s military capacity.”
Ambassador Zhou also paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s liberation icons, including Herbert Chitepo and Josiah Tongogara, saying their sacrifices and the inspiration they drew from Chairman Mao Zedong’s theory of people’s war cemented the historical bond between the two countries.
Looking ahead to the PLA’s centenary next year, he said the military relationship had expanded beyond defence cooperation into broader strategic ties that support Zimbabwe’s development.
He said China remained Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign direct investment and one of its most important trading partners, with cooperation delivering major infrastructure projects, expanded industrial capacity and stronger energy and transport networks.
Ambassador Zhou pledged that China would remain Zimbabwe’s “most reliable and steadfast partner” as the country pursues its National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, saying the revolutionary friendship between the two nations continued to provide a strong foundation for future cooperation.
