The Chinese Mission to the African Union (AU) and the Chinese Embassy to Ethiopia jointly held a reception on July 18th 2025, in celebration of the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Hon. Dr. Mulatu Teshome Wirtu, former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,  H.E. Amb. Fathallah Sililmassi, Director General of the AU, H.E. Amb. Jiang Feng, Head of Chinese Mission to the AU, Min. Sun Mingxi, Charge d’Affaires of Chinese Embassy to Ethiopia, Sr. Col. Guo Baojian, Defence Adviser of Chinese Mission to the AU, Sr. Col. Liu Zhaofeng, Defense Attaché of Chinese Embassy to Ethiopia, were present at the event, together with nearly 700 participants including senior officials of the AU and Ethiopia, ambassadors, defense attachés as well as other high-ranking members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Addis Ababa, representatives of Chinese-funded institutions, medical teams in aid of Ethiopia.

Ambassador Jiang Feng said in his speech that China is firmly committed to the path of peaceful development. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China（CPC）, the people’s military has made remarkable achievements, in liberating the Chinese people, realizing national independence and rejuvenation, and made significant contributions to safeguarding international peace and stability. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression started the earliest, lasted the longest and resulted in the largest number of sacrifices, and made significant contributions and impacts to the victory of the World War II. Taiwan’s return to the motherland is a victorious outcome of World War II and an integral part of the postwar international order. It is the steadfastness of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people and the trend of history that no one and no force can stop.

He pointed out that unprecedented changes are unfolding at a faster pace across the globe today. China is willing to work with Africa to implement Global Development Initiative, Security Initiative and Civilization Initiative, jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind and address the uncertainty of the world with the stability and resilience of China-Africa relations, using the “golden key” of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation to unlock the door to the future of common development.

In his speech, Sr. Col. Guo Baojian said that under the guidance of Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military, the PLA has undergone an all-round revolutionary restructuring, The strategic capability of the PLA to effectively fulfill its mission in the new era has been continuously enhanced. It is becoming a world-class military with Chinese characteristics, which is commensurate with China’s international standing as well as in line with the national security and development interests. China has always played a unique and constructive role in maintaining peace and security in Africa and firmly supports the AU in carrying out independent peacekeeping operations. China is ready to build with Africa a partnership for implementing the Global Security Initiative, make it a fine example of Global Security Initiative cooperation, promote the Partnership Action for Common Security, and jointly make new and greater contributions to maintaining regional and global security.

Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome Wirtu said in his speech, the PLA has always uphold deepening cooperation with the armed forces of African countries, being a firm force in maintaining world peace and an important partner in supporting peace, security, development in Africa. China has always been working hand in hand with Ethiopia and African countries to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and promote their common prosperity. The Ethiopian and African people are proud to have a friend like China.

The reception was warm and friendly. Guests extended their congratulations on the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA, highly appreciated the brilliant achievements of China’s national defense and military modernization as well as China’s contributions to safeguarding the world peace and stability, sincerely wished the friendship as well as peace and security cooperation between China and Africa would reach a new level. The reception also featured themed photo exhibitions to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, China’s miliatry for maintaining world peace.