The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has reaffirmed China’s commitment to global peace and security as it prepares to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army will be celebrated on August 1.

Speaking at a reception in Abuja, the Chinese Embassy’s defence attaché, Ouyang Haisheng, highlighted the PLA’s historic journey and evolving global role in peacekeeping and international security cooperation.

“98 years ago, China faced its darkest hour. The nation was extremely chaotic, and some people tried to make changes with foreign systems, relying on warlords to achieve this goal. But the reality is that all warlords fought for territory and wealth, and copying systems from abroad eventually became tools for power struggles and corruption.

“It was only under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the birth of the People’s Liberation Army that a new China was forged. Since then, the PLA has never failed the people’s trust,” he said.

Mr Ouyang also restated the relationship between the Chinese people, the Party, and the PLA, describing it as “a bond that may be difficult for others to understand.”

He cited the trust and security that the PLA embodies in Chinese society, even for children who seek help when lost. He reiterated that China adheres to a defensive national defence policy and remains deeply rooted in a tradition of peace-loving diplomacy.

“China is now the largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping among the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second-largest financial contributor. We are making greater contributions to global peace through practical action,” he said.

Mr Ouyang also referenced President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative, which promotes dialogue over confrontation, partnership over rivalry, and win-win results over a zero-sum game.

“It aims to build the widest consensus and provide new pathways to advance global security governance and address humanity’s shared security challenges. If you want to go fast, walk alone, but if you want to go far, walk together. China will always maintain an open attitude towards cooperation and inclusiveness with any country in addressing shared global challenges,” he said.

Furthermore, he announced that a military parade will be held on September 3 in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

“The event, which will be broadcast live, will feature a display of China’s latest military technologies, including manned systems, intelligent combat units, and hypersonic capabilities, showcasing the PLA’s system-based combat readiness,” Mr Ouyang said.

In his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, commended the enduring strength of the PLA and the historic partnership between Nigeria and China.

“Nigeria and China share a time-honoured friendship, especially in defence cooperation,” Mr Matawalle said.

He acknowledged China’s support in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping, through capacity building, technology transfer, and the supply of military hardware.

“The PLA has proven to be a reliable partner to the Nigerian Armed Forces, and this collaboration has not only strengthened Nigeria’s defence capability but also reinforced regional stability,” he said.

He also appreciated China’s support for Africa’s peace and security under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as his optimism for deeper engagement, which aligns with Nigeria’s new home agenda for defence transformation.

“As we celebrate this milestone with our Chinese friends, we reaffirm our commitment to working together for global peace, prosperity, and mutual advancement,” Mr Matawalle said.

(NAN)