By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, commemorated the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with a reception at its Spur Loop premises in Wilberforce, Freetown.

The event brought together senior Chinese and Sierra Leonean officials, diplomats and military representatives to celebrate the historical achievements, global contributions and enduring partnerships of the PLA.

In his address, Senior Colonel Pu Lin, China’s Defence Attaché to Sierra Leone, reflected on the PLA’s journey since its establishment in 1927, underscoring its vital role in safeguarding China’s sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Chinese people during the Second World War, noting China’s central role in sustaining the eastern battlefront against fascist aggression.

“Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and guided by President Xi Jinping’s vision for a strong military, the PLA has transformed into a modern, multi-branch force committed to peace, stability and development,” Pu Lin said. He emphasized that the PLA pursues a defensive national defence policy while actively participating in global security governance, including peacekeeping missions, maritime escort operations and humanitarian disaster relief.

He revealed that China has deployed over 50,000 military personnel in international peacekeeping missions and continues to contribute to global rescue operations. In Africa and particularly in Sierra Leone, military cooperation has flourished through high-level exchanges, joint training programmes and personnel development initiatives.

Highlighting recent collaborations, Pu Lin spoke of the PLA’s medical capacity-building efforts in Sierra Leone, which have seen over 2,000 participants trained in a six-month programme to improve healthcare response, particularly in combating outbreaks such as COVID-19 and Mpox. He also pointed to China’s infrastructure support, including the construction of office facilities for Sierra Leone’s Defence Headquarters and the provision of essential medical equipment.

“We remain committed to capacity building, fostering cooperation and strengthening the traditional partnership between our militaries,” Pu Lin affirmed.

Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, praised the PLA as “an exemplar of military excellence,” acknowledging its role in global peace and stability as well as its longstanding friendship with Sierra Leone.

He recalled China’s substantial assistance during critical periods, including the Ebola crisis in 2014, when China provided medical teams and equipment, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the PLA delivered prevention supplies valued at $280,000 and donated 40,000 vaccine doses in 2021.

“Between 2016 and 2025, eight batches of Chinese fleet experts were dispatched to Sierra Leone and the establishment of the PLA Defence Attaché’s office here in 2024 has further deepened our cooperation,” Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi noted. He commended China for increasing the number of training opportunities for Sierra Leonean military personnel and supporting the renovation of key defence infrastructure, including the Major Officers’ Mess and barracks accommodations.

He further appealed for China’s continued support in equipping Sierra Leone’s newly constructed 600-bed military hospital with specialized medical facilities as part of the Government’s broader vision to strengthen the nation’s defence capabilities.

In proposing a toast at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Wang Qing, expressed confidence in the continued strengthening of bilateral relations. He proposed the toast to “the peace, stability and prosperity of China, Sierra Leone and the world” and to the “everlasting friendship between the two nations.”

The evening concluded with a reaffirmation of both countries’ commitment to advancing their strategic partnership, deepening defence cooperation and promoting a shared vision of peace and development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chinese-embassy-celebrates-98th-anniversary-of-the-peoples-liberation-army/