Libreville recently hosted a special celebration marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The event, held at the Chinese embassy, carried a strong message of remembrance, peace, and strengthened Sino-Gabonese ties.
Addressing the audience, China’s ambassador to Gabon, Zhou Ping, highlighted the flourishing partnership between Gabon and China. He noted that this year also commemorates 52 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Looking ahead, the ambassador revealed that Gabon’s President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has been invited to visit China in November, as confirmed by his counterpart, Xi Jinping.
The ambassador also reflected on key milestones for Beijing in 2026: the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory of the Red Army and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
“For over a century, the CPC has led the Chinese people and the PLA in achieving remarkable contributions to national independence, national development, and the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era,” he stated before a gathering of high-ranking officials and diplomats.
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Against the backdrop of “a world in turmoil and conflict,” the diplomat reaffirmed China’s commitment to peace and dialogue. He emphasized the “four global initiatives” proposed by President Xi Jinping—focused on development, security, civilization, and international governance—which he described as “China’s wisdom for global peace and development.”
The ambassador cited two tangible examples of bilateral cooperation: the arrival of the “Ark of Peace” in 2024—China’s hospital ship making its second stop in Gabon—and the recent visit of a Chinese military medical mission to Libreville, both of which have energized military cooperation between the two countries.
The evening also introduced the latest face of China’s defense presence in Gabon: Colonel Zhang Song, the newly appointed military attaché.
