The 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was commemorated in Libreville, marking five decades of diplomatic friendship between Gabon and China. The event, held at the Chinese embassy, highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations.

The Chinese ambassador to Gabon, Zhou Ping, praised the thriving relationship between Libreville and Beijing. He noted that 2025 also marks the 52nd year since Gabon and China established formal diplomatic ties—a milestone coinciding with an upcoming state visit by Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to China in November, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During the ceremony, Zhou reflected on key historical milestones for China in 2026, including the 90th anniversary of the Red Army’s Long March victory and the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

“For over a century, the CPC has led the Chinese people and the PLA in achieving remarkable progress toward national independence, economic growth, and the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the modern era,” he told attendees, which included high-ranking officials and diplomats.

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Amid a “world of instability and conflict,” the ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to global peace and dialogue. He emphasized Beijing’s “four global initiatives”—on development, security, civilization, and international governance—presented as China’s contribution to fostering worldwide stability and progress.

He cited two key examples of bilateral cooperation: the 2024 visit of the “Peace Ark”, China’s hospital ship, which made its second stop in Gabon, and the recent hosting of a Chinese military medical mission in Libreville, both of which have strengthened defense ties.

The evening also introduced Gabon’s new defense attaché, Colonel Zhang Song, who will oversee military cooperation efforts moving forward.