The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone on Wednesday hosted a reception to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), reaffirming China’s commitment to strengthening defence and development partnerships with Sierra Leone.
The celebration, held at the embassy’s Spur Loop premises in Wilberforce, brought together senior government officials, military representatives, diplomats, and members of the Chinese community.
In his keynote address, Senior Colonel Pu Lin, China’s Defence Attaché to Sierra Leone, reflected on the PLA’s evolution since its founding in 1927, highlighting its contributions to safeguarding China’s sovereignty and supporting global peace initiatives.
“Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and guided by President Xi Jinping’s vision for a strong military, the PLA has transformed into a modern, multi-branch force committed to peace, stability and development,” Pu Lin said.
He noted that the PLA has deployed more than 50,000 personnel in international peacekeeping missions and continues to support global humanitarian operations, including maritime escorts and disaster relief efforts.
Pu Lin underscored China’s growing military cooperation with Sierra Leone through joint training, medical capacity-building programmes, and infrastructure support. He cited the training of over 2,000 Sierra Leoneans in healthcare response, as well as the provision of medical equipment and the construction of facilities for Sierra Leone’s Defence Headquarters.
Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, who represented the Government of Sierra Leone, commended the PLA for its role in global peace and its consistent support to Sierra Leone. He recalled China’s crucial assistance during the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and the COVID-19 pandemic, which included $280,000 worth of supplies and 40,000 donated vaccine doses.
He also praised China for supporting the renovation of key military facilities, dispatching naval experts, and expanding training opportunities for Sierra Leonean personnel. The minister appealed for further support to equip the country’s new 600-bed military hospital with specialized facilities.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Qing closed the evening with a toast to the enduring partnership between the two nations.
“We raise our glasses to the peace, stability and prosperity of China, Sierra Leone and the world—and to the everlasting friendship between our two countries,” the ambassador said.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge by both countries to deepen defence cooperation and promote a shared vision of peace, security, and development.
By Linda Sei
