The Embassy hosted a reception to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on July 29. We were honored to have the presence of Hon. Rtd Brigadier General Levi Mayihlome, Deputy Minister of Defence, Hon. John Paradza, Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Hon. Munyaradzi Machacha, Secretary for Commissariat Zanu PF, Major General Thomas Moyo, Chief of Staff Defence Intelligence of Zimbabwe Defence Forces, and more than 200 distinguished guests with us. 

Ambassador Zhou Ding and Defence Attaché Wang Zhenyu underscored that the PLA is unswervingly following the Chinese path of building strong armed forces , and is endeavouring to make positive contributions to the building of a better world of lasting peace and universal security. The friendship between the Chinese and Zimbabwean militaries shares a long history, and the PLA will always be a close trustworthy friend of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces. 

During the reception, a photo exhibition on the Chinese military safeguarding peace in a community with a shared future was on display, and the Zimbabwe Army Band staged a breathtaking music performance.