By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, July 31, GNA – Ghana and China have renewed their commitment to deepening military cooperation and advancing global peace efforts as both nations marked the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at a diplomatic reception in Accra, Wednesday.
It was attended by top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, senior military officers, and other defence dignitaries.
Mr. Tong Defa, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted the historical legacy and modern mission of the PLA, underscoring China’s unwavering commitment to peace, cooperation, and development.
He said the growth of the Chinese military over the last 98 years was rooted in the resilience and sacrifice of the Chinese people, guided by the Communist Party of China.
“The Chinese nation has always cherished peace. We have never started a war or conflict since our founding 76 years ago, and we never will. Our development has come through the hard work of our people and our pursuit of peaceful coexistence,” Mr. Tong said.
He noted that China’s global role was increasingly shaped by initiatives like the Global Security Initiative and Global Development Initiative, which aimed to address global governance deficits and promote equitable international cooperation.
He added that China’s vision of building “a community with a shared future for humanity” had become even more urgent in today’s world of growing geopolitical tensions.
The Ambassador recalled China’s deep sacrifices during World War II, particularly in the 14-year resistance war against Japanese aggression.
He drew parallels to Ghana’s own contributions to the Allied efforts, especially the heroism of Ghanaian troops during the 1944 Battle of Myohaung in Burma.
Mr. Tong paid special tribute to Ghanaian World War II veteran Joseph Ashitey Hammond, calling him a “symbol of Ghana’s enduring commitment to global peace.”
He reaffirmed China’s stance on its territorial integrity, stressing that the issue of Taiwan was central to China’s sovereignty and international order.
“We are grateful for Ghana’s firm support of the One China principle. The historical trend of China’s reunification is unstoppable,” he stated.
Ambassador Tong further underscored the strength of China-Ghana ties, noting that 2025 marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
He said the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership in 2024 was a key milestone and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to thrive under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President John Mahama.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence, who represented the Government and the Ghana Armed Forces, congratulated China on the twin celebrations, the 98th anniversary of the PLA and the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese aggression.
He praised the growing cooperation between Ghana and China, especially in the areas of defence infrastructure, training, and logistics.
“The foundation of Ghana-China relations is one of mutual respect and shared commitment to peace and development,” Dr. Boamah stated, and that “China’s contributions to Ghana’s military capabilities have been profound and deeply appreciated.”
He cited China’s grant of RMB 50 million for the construction of facilities for Ghana’s National College of Defence Studies as well as the $50 million Chinese-funded Ministry of Defence building in Accra as strong symbols of the enduring partnership.
He added that China was also supporting the development of nine major military projects across the country, including training schools for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“These projects are not just bricks and mortar. They are a reflection of strategic intent and shared security goals…In an increasingly complex security environment in West Africa, this kind of support is not just welcome, it is necessary,” ,” the Defence Minister said.
He further emphasized Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the One China policy and praised the Chinese government’s consistent support at multilateral platforms.
Dr. Boamah called for continued collaboration between the two nations in addressing regional challenges such as terrorism, piracy, and violent extremism.
Colonel DOU Yan, Defence Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Accra, noted that the global responsibilities of the Chinese military and its contributions to peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and security operations worldwide were key.
He described the PLA as a “force of justice” that remained committed to sustainable and cooperative security.
Colonel Dou said the Chinese military had participated in 25 United Nations peacekeeping missions and sent over 50,000 personnel to 20 countries and regions.
He added that the Chinese Navy had undertaken 47 escort missions in piracy-prone waters since 2008, protecting more than 1,600 vessels, and that its hospital ship, Peace Ark, had visited 49 countries on humanitarian missions.
“China’s armed forces are not just for China. They are a reliable and trustworthy force for global peace and a better world,” ,” he said.
He acknowledged Ghana’s historic contributions to Africa’s liberation movements and praised the country’s pioneering role in Pan-Africanism and that the PLA was ready to deepen strategic cooperation with the Ghana Armed Forces through joint training, maritime security, peacekeeping, and high-level exchanges.
“In the coming years, we will continue to pursue steady and in-depth military-to-military relations based on mutual trust and shared interests,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie