Ouagadougou: The Defense Attach of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Niger, Colonel-Major Chen Xuming, reaffirmed on Wednesday in Niamey his country's desire to further strengthen its military cooperation with Niger, at a reception marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), officially celebrated on August 1.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Colonel-Major Chen Xuming recalled that the PLA was born from the Nanchang uprising of August 1, 1927, under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, in a context where China was facing profound internal and external difficulties. He noted that this event marked the beginning of the struggle that led to national independence and the creation of the People's Republic of China.
Colonel-Major Chen Xuming stressed that the PLA played a decisive role in the major wars that have marked China's contemporary history. He also indicated that, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese army is continuing its modernization in order to become a world-class army capable of defending the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Referring to the international context, he reaffirmed that China is pursuing a strategy of "active defense" and intends to contribute to global peace and security. In this regard, he noted that more than 50,000 Chinese peacekeepers have participated in 26 United Nations peacekeeping operations since 1990. He also cited naval escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the twelve humanitarian interventions of the hospital ship "Peace Ark," illustrating China's constant commitment to peace and humanitarian action.
Regarding Sino-Nigerien relations, Colonel-Major Chen Xuming affirmed that the PLA attaches great importance to its cooperation with the Nigerien Armed Forces. He reiterated China's support for Niger's efforts in combating terrorism and defending its sovereignty and national security. He commended the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces for their commitment to the National Refoundation process and expressed Beijing's readiness to deepen the strategic partnership between the two armies for the benefit of both states and their peoples.
The 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which coincides with Nigerien Armed Forces Day celebrated on August 1, brought together several Nigerien authorities, ambassadors, defense attachs, officers of the Defense and Security Forces as well as many guests. On this occasion, Colonel-Major Chen Xuming offered his sincerest congratulations and best wishes to the Nigerien military.