By James Amoh Junior
Accra, July 22, GNA – The Chinese Embassy in Ghana has marked the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with a reception that highlighted the strengthening military ties between China and Ghana.
The event, held at the Chinese Ambassador’s recidence in Accra, was attended by guests, including diplomats, security service heads, and military attachés from embassies, Chinese business leaders, and Government representatives.
Established on August 1st, 1927, the PLA has become a cornerstone of modern China’s development, embodying China’s resolve and resilience.
The PLA now commands cutting-edge weaponry and a modernized structure that reflect China’s advancements in science and technology.
The 97th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, a significant milestone in the People’s Republic of China’s development, showcases its strength, spirit, and progress.
Colonel Song Jun, the Defense Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, in a keynote address, said the PLA’s journey from its inception during the Nanchang Uprising in 1927 to its current role as a major contributor to global peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts was significant.
He noted that the PLA had grown from a small, fledgling force to a robust military institution known for its commitment to peace and international cooperation.
“China is committed to the path of peaceful development and adopts a national defense policy that is defensive in nature,” Colonel Song said.
He said the Chinese PLA would honour its international responsibilities and obligations, playing a more significant role in UN peacekeeping operations, escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, and international humanitarian rescue and assistance.
China, the Military Attaché said, was the biggest contributor of peacekeeping troops among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and took up the largest share of peacekeeping assessment rates among developing countries.
As such, he stressed that “the PLA is and will continue to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order.”
Colonel Song said in recent years, the development of China-Ghana relations had been steadily advancing, bilateral cooperation continued to deepen, while mutual support was witnessed in various multilateral occasions.
He observed that the relations between the two militaries have always been an important part of China-Ghana relations.
“In recent years, the two sides have achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation in high-level exchanges, personnel training, equipment technology, facility construction, maritime cooperation, and UN peacekeeping,” he further stated.
In the future, Colonel Song, said “the Chinese PLA will continue to hold high the banner of win-win cooperation, and on the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual learning, and continue to promote the steady, long-term and in-depth relationship with Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).”
He stated that the Chinese PLA would also continue to promote practical cooperation with the GAF in the field of security and defence, joining hands to address regional and global security challenges, and contributing positively to the building communities with shared values.
Ministerial Counsellor, Mr. LI Yang, Chargé d’Affaires of Chinese Embassy, reiterated that China’s defense policy remained focused on maintaining global peace and security.
He highlighted the importance of the Global Security Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping, which advocated for common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.
China, he stated, was committed to peaceful development, and that “No matter how much it develops, China will never seek hegemony, expansion, sphere of influence, or arms race. The armed forces of China have always been a staunch force that safeguards world peace and will continue to carry out international militaryexchanges and cooperation.”
Mr Yang said the PLA was ready to work with countries, including Ghana, to jointly tackle global security challenges and fulfill their international duties and obligations commensurate with China’s international status.
He further stated that military exchanges and cooperation between our two militaries had continued to deepen in recent years and that the Chinese PLA would continue to support the capacity-building of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“With concerted efforts, China and Ghana will embrace new momentum of reciprocal cooperation and elevate our bilateral military relationship to a higher level,” he said.
Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), GAF, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS), Operations and Training, Major General Joseph Aduko Aphour, congratulated the PLA for the giant strides it had made towards global peace and security.
The CDS said the GAF had enjoyed close and cordial relationship with the Chinese PLA and that the establishment of Defence Attach Offices in each other’s country was a testimony of their collective efforts to strengthen their bilateral relations.
He said, “Our military relationship has translated into significant infrastructure, equipment, training, and other support with profound impact on the GAF in particular.”
Such prospects, Lieutenant General Oppong-Peprah said, had travelled great lengths to enhance the remarkable defence cooperation between Ghana and China which had augmented the time-tested relationship between the two nations in economic, social, cultural and many other spheres.
He noted that the military aid by the People’s Republic of China to the GAF in the form of constructing training facilities were expected to be completed and commissioned in 2024 resulting in an increase in training opportunities for the GAF this year.
The CDS said some 122 multiple rocket launchers purchased from China had been delivered to the appropriate units and that the GAF was satisfied with the performance of the equipment.
GNA