China People’s Liberation Army commemorates 98th anniversary
The Chinese Embassy in Accra has commemorated the 98th anniversary celebration of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China.
The occasion was also used to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression.
The PLA is the armed forces of China. It is one of the largest military forces in the world, encompassing land, sea and air forces, as well as strategic and conventional missile forces.
The PLA traces its roots to the 1927 Nanchang Uprising of the communists against the Nationalists.
Initially called the Red Army, it grew under Chairman Mao Zedong and Zhu De.
Support
The Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, commended the people and government of China for the anniversary celebration.
He said Ghana had consistently supported China's position on various issues at the UN, particularly China's representation, and its "One China" policy, adding that mutual understanding and respect between the two countries had fostered a strong foundation for their bilateral relations.
Dr Boamah also said that it was imperative for Ghana and China to continue to nurture and strengthen their partnership, adding that the security landscape in West Africa was complex and multidimensional, with threats from fundamentalists, violent extremists, terrorists and pirates.
Appreciation
Dr Boamah further expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for the continuous support to Ghana over the years.
He mentioned China’s "Military Aid Gratis" for the construction of facilities at the National College of Defence Studies.
Other military projects being funded by China include the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills, the Naval Training Command at Nutekpor, the Air Force Training School in Takoradi and the Battle Training Camp at Bundase.
He said “the projects would significantly enhance the capabilities of our armed forces and ensure we are better equipped to address regional security challenges”.
Dr Boamah also said that the Chinese government’s earlier grant of $50 million stood as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the two countries.
Collaboration
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, said China-Ghana relationship was nurtured about 65 years ago.
He said the Chinese people had suffered from aggression and wars, and had, therefore, learned the value of peace and the pressing need for development, adding “China has never inflicted such sufferings on any country, and will never do it in the future”.
“In today's world, deficits in peace, development, security and governance continue to grow.
China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and a national defence policy that is defensive in nature, oppose power politics in all forms, and will never seek hegemony or expansion.
The Chinese Military will remain a staunch force in maintaining world peace,” the ambassador said.
He said China appreciated Ghana's firm commitment to the One-China principle, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, including its firm opposition to "Taiwan independence".
Mr Defa expressed confidence that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping of China and President John Dramani Mahama, the two countries would keep to the aspirations of the founding spirit of their diplomatic ties, uphold mutual respect and win-win cooperation, and also work hand in hand to build an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a shared future for a new era.
For his part, the Defence attache at the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, Colonel Dou Yan, said Chinese military had, among other interventions, participated in UN peacekeeping operations, vessel protection operations and international efforts in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
It had also strengthened international cooperation in arms control and non-proliferation, and played a constructive role in the political settlement of hotspot issues.
