China and Malawi have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation and deepening bilateral relations as they marked the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The anniversary celebration, held earlier last week at the Chinese Embassy in Lilongwe, brought together senior Chinese and Malawian government, military and diplomatic officials, with speakers highlighting defence cooperation, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and the modernization of the PLA.
Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Lu Xu said military cooperation between the two countries has become a key pillar of their bilateral relationship, describing the ties between China and Malawi as being built on solid mutual support on core interests.
Lu reflected on the founding of the PLA in 1927 and its role in China’s national independence and the preservation of world peace.
“We both know that peace isn’t free,” Lu said. “It is earned by those who stand guard while the rest of us could be over.”
Using a domestic analogy to describe the importance of military cooperation, the ambassador said the PLA and the Malawi Defence Force were central to the strength of the bilateral relationship.
“If our bilateral relations were a house, the People’s Liberation Army and the Malawi Defence Force would be the foundation, the roof, and the rather steady beam that keeps out the storm,” she said.
Lu said China and Malawi had strengthened their relationship over the past two decades, with military cooperation forming part of the broader partnership between the two countries.
The ambassador also announced additional humanitarian assistance for Malawi, stating that China would provide USD3 million in new support on top of the USD4 million in food aid delivered earlier this year.
“That, my friends, is not just a number,” Lu said. “It is a gesture from the Chinese people who know a thing or two about hard times.”
She said China had also granted zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries, including Malawi, as part of efforts to promote economic development and strengthen trade opportunities.
Malawi’s Defence Minister Feston Kaupa, who was the guest of honour at the ceremony, conveyed congratulations to the PLA on behalf of President Peter Mutharika.
Kaupa praised the PLA’s transformation from its beginnings as the Red Army into what he described as one of the world’s most modern and professional defence forces, citing technological innovation and discipline as key factors behind its development.
He said military cooperation between China and Malawi had expanded since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2007.
According to Kaupa, China’s support has contributed to the modernization of the Malawi Defence Force, particularly through capacity building and professional training.
“Many members of the Malawi Defence Force have attended specialized courses and seminars in China, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that continue to strengthen our military institutions,” Kaupa said.
He said the continued exchange of knowledge and professional expertise had helped strengthen Malawi’s military institutions and contributed to the country’s defence capacity.
The celebration also featured a video presentation titled “For Peace,” which showcased the PLA’s humanitarian and security operations and its contribution to international peace efforts.
The presentation highlighted China’s response to humanitarian emergencies, including the deployment of personnel and the delivery of assistance. It also featured the development of Chinese military capabilities, describing the PLA’s progress as an “expedition towards honor and glory.”
The video further highlighted the PLA’s international peacekeeping role and its stated commitment to promoting peace and a better future for humanity. The presentation emphasized the military’s continued presence in efforts to safeguard world peace, with the narration noting that while peace faces adversity, the Chinese military remains present in its mission to contribute to global peace and security.
Speaking at the conclusion of the ceremony, China’s Defence Attaché to Malawi, Col. Pan Chao, said China was the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the second-largest contributor to the U.N. peacekeeping budget.
Pan reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the Malawi Defence Force as it implements its modernization programme.
He said China and Malawi had reached a strategic agreement aimed at producing greater results from their defence cooperation and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to deliver more benefits.
Pan said China would continue to support efforts to strengthen peace and security internationally.
“Serving our own country, we have glories but no regrets,” Pan said.
He added that “Chinese military will strive to make new and greater contribution to building a better world of lasting peace.”
The celebration was attended by a wide array of high-ranking officials, including cabinet ministers responsible for finance, agriculture, homeland security, energy, mining and natural resources.
The anniversary celebration underscored the growing defence and security cooperation between Malawi and China, while also highlighting areas of collaboration including military training, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and economic development.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the relationship and building on existing defence cooperation to support peace, security and development.
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