Story by Effort Magoso
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the country appreciates the great role played by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China towards the decolonisation of many countries across the globe, including Zimbabwe.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, during the 2025 Chinese National Army Day commemorations in Harare this Friday, President Mnangagwa said the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is making huge strides towards contributing to international peace and security.
“The commemorations afford us an important opportunity to reflect on the historic formation of the People’s Liberation Army on August 1, 1927. Despite encountering numerous challenges, the People’s Liberation Army has endured and grown to be a strong force for peace and harmony across the globe.
“It is pleasing to note that the People’s Liberation Army has not only grown to become the cornerstone of the massive political and socio-economic transformation of the People’s Republic of China but also made huge contributions towards the decolonisation of many countries including Zimbabwe. At the same time, the People’s Liberation Army is also making huge strides towards contributing to international peace and security.”
Speaking during the same occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, said this year holds profound significance for China as they are commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in both China’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
“Today, the PLA stands as the indomitable guardian of our national security, a beacon of patriotism that inspires our people to cherish our hard-won sovereignty, uphold the Chinese path to modernisation and contribute to global peace and prosperity,” the Ambassador said.
“This year holds profound significance for our military forces and for China, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in both China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Across 14 gruelling years, China waged a heroic struggle against brutal fascist invasion, making pivotal contributions to the ultimate triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War. This victory stands as an eternal testament to a universal truth: that unity can conquer darkness and justice shall prevail.”
August 1 marks the revolutionary dawn of the People’s Liberation Army, born from the flames of the 1927 Nanchang Uprising.
This defining moment forged a military force of the people, an army whose legacy of sacrifice, resilience and unwavering loyalty has safeguarded China’s sovereignty and shaped its destiny for 98 years.
