Chinese embassy in South Sudan marks 98th anniversary of the PLA
Chinese peacekeepers in a group photo on Monday July 21,2025 during celebration of the 98th anniversary of the PLA at the Chinese embassy in Juba.
By Denis Ejulu
The Chinese embassy in South Sudan on Monday celebrated the 98th anniversary since the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in 1927.
Ma Qiang, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan said that the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been leading the PLA over the past 98 years to fight battles with unyielding determination and move forward through persistent hard work, making tremendous contributions to securing the liberation and happiness of the Chinese people as well as the independence and revival of the Chinese nation.
“What we commemorate is not only the birth of an army, but also the arduous journey of a nation from humiliation to self-reliance,” Ma said during celebrations held in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
August 1st of this year marks the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA.
The ceremony was attended by senior South Sudanese military officers and political leaders.
Ma noted that China’s development strengthens the world’s force for peace, adding that China is the largest troop-contributing country among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and the second largest contributor to both UN membership fees and peacekeeping assessment.
He disclosed that China has since 1990, actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations, and sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions.
“While in South Sudan, the White Nile River rushes onward endlessly, telling stories of the glorious years when South Sudanese fought for freedom and liberation for decades. We Chinese and South Sudanese both have the spirit of courageous sacrifice for national independence, and cherish peace even more because of the suffering memory brought by the war,” Ma said.
He also revealed that the 11 batches of Chinese peacekeeping forces sent to South Sudan over the years, have made great contribution and sacrifice to peace and stability, civilian protection in South Sudan.
Chol Thon Balok, Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs commended the friendship between the two countries.
“Today we are not only celebrating the PLA’s long history of service and sacrifice, but also the strong and growing cooperation between China and South Sudan. South Sudan deeply values it’s friendship with China.” Balok said.
He noted that China’s donation of vehicles, ambulances has facilitated the smooth operations of the military across the country.
“We are implementing the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, and we acknowledge the support that we received from China for the peace implementation. This contribution reflects China’s genuine commitment to support peace, stability and development in South Sudan,” Balok said.
Chen Gao Feng, defense attaché at the Chinese embassy in South Sudan said that over the past 98 years, under the strong leadership of the CPC, the PLA has made imperishable contributions to national independence, people’s liberation, and national prosperity.
In addition, he noted that the PLA has provided strong support for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and made important contributions to maintaining world peace and promoting human progress.
“Chinese people love peace and desire peace. We will unswervingly follow the road of peaceful development.” Chen said.
