Monday, 25 May 2026
China and Egypt celebrate PLA anniversary, deepen military ties
The Chinese Embassy in Cairo was aglow with camaraderie and celebration this evening, as dignitaries and guests gathered to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. This milestone event was graced by the presence of prominent officials and served as a springboard for furthering the close and enduring relationship between China and Egypt.
Representing China at the ceremony was Ambassador Liao Liqiang, who warmly welcomed attendees. Major General Mohamed Ali Metwaly, acting for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production of Egypt, and Major General Mohamed Mahmoud, representing the Chief of Staff of Egypt’s Armed Forces, underscored the significance of military cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations.
A highlight of the occasion was the arrival and reception of Major General Wu Qian, the newly appointed Defense Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Egypt. Ambassador Liao introduced Major General Wu, noting his distinguished background, including nearly ten years as spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Defense and previous diplomatic assignments in the United States.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Liao reflected on the PLA’s “98-year epic journey.” He emphasized that the PLA’s proud history and achievements have been made possible under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China.
“In the new era, the PLA resolutely implements Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, moves toward the goal of building a world-class army, always heeds the call of the Party, and stands ready to resolutely defend national interests and thwart any attempts at aggression,” he said.
Ambassador Liao also stressed China’s commitment to global peace and cooperation. “The Chinese military is ready to work with armed forces around the world to uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and engage in practical and friendly cooperation to foster a security architecture based on justice, joint contribution, and shared benefits, in order to create a world that enjoys lasting peace and universal security.”
This year’s celebrations resonated with historical significance, as it marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Ambassador Liao reminded the audience, drawing from President Xi Jinping’s words, “History is the best textbook, the best sobering agent. Only by remembering and confronting it can we lay a solid foundation for lasting peace.”
Affirming China’s path of peaceful development, Ambassador Liao reiterated, “China remains steadfast in its national strategy of peaceful development and stands ready to work together with Egypt and other nations to build a community with a shared future for mankind.” He underlined the importance of supporting the UN-centered international system, the international order based on law, and multilateralism, while opposing all forms of power politics.
Reflecting on the shared heritage of China and Egypt, Ambassador Liao noted, “Since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 70 years ago, the two countries have remained close friends who support each other and strategic partners with a shared future.”
He credited the “strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Sisi” for the flourishing relationship, deepening mutual trust, and fruitful cooperation across multiple sectors. Recent diplomatic exchanges—such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s successful visit to Egypt and meetings with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and other senior leaders—have helped lay a strong foundation for further collaboration.
“China will work with Egypt to follow through on the strategic consensus reached by the two presidents, deepen political mutual trust, promote military exchanges and cooperation, and build a higher-level China-Egypt community with a shared future,” Ambassador Liao told the gathering.
Major General Wu Qian, upon his introduction, struck a warm and humble tone. He recalled, “There is an Egyptian proverb: ‘Once you drink from the Nile, you will surely return.’” He shared that his own return to Egypt—having first visited with a press delegation in 2019—fulfilled this adage, and he expressed joy at resuming service in the country.
Highlighting the historical bond, Major General Wu noted Egypt’s role as the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. He affirmed that the friendship between the two countries has deep roots, with military relations forming a vital pillar of cooperation. “On this land where Eastern and Western civilizations converge, the armed forces of China and Egypt are writing a new chapter of cooperation,” he stated. Examples include joint anti-piracy drills in the Mediterranean and the inaugural “Eagle of Civilization-2025” training exercise, both of which fortify mutual trust and effective collaboration.
“As the newly appointed Defense Attaché, I will spare no effort to advance practical collaboration between our militaries through high-level exchanges, joint exercises, personnel training, and other areas, so as to contribute to regional peace and stability,” Major General Wu pledged.
The event also highlighted China’s contributions to global peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. Over the past 35 years, China has dispatched more than 50,000 peacekeeping personnel to 26 United Nations missions and has sent 47 naval escort task forces since 2008, completing over 1,600 missions and rescuing more than 80 distressed vessels—including many belonging to other countries. The Chinese Navy's hospital ship “Peace Ark” has provided vital medical services to over 370,000 people in 49 countries. Notably, the Chinese military has responded to more than 50 international rescue operations for various disasters.
Looking to the future, Major General Wu reaffirmed China’s dedication to multilateralism and global security cooperation. “We are ready to work with the armed forces of other countries to fully leverage the bridging role of military exchanges, continuously deepen security cooperation, consolidate the foundation for world peace, and make unremitting efforts to build a bright future characterized by diversity, openness, inclusiveness, and shared security,” he concluded.
Throughout the evening, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect, sincere friendship, and a shared commitment to international peace. As China and Egypt continue to forge ahead together, the bonds of cooperation between their armies—and indeed, between their peoples—promise to grow even stronger.