China Marks PLA 99th Anniversary With Global Diplomatic Receptions

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) marked its 99th founding anniversary between July 29 and August 1, 2026, through a series of diplomatic and military receptions across the globe. These events served to highlight China's defensive national defense policy and its commitment to international security and United Nations peacekeeping operations.

In Pretoria, South Africa, Ambassador Wu Peng hosted a reception attended by government and military officials. South African Minister of Defense and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga praised the military's evolution into a modern force and noted shared visions between the two nations within the BRICS framework. Similar celebrations took place in Sierra Leone, where Ambassador Zhao Yong linked the event to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Additional commemorations occurred in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed the strategic partnership and mutual trust between the Pakistani and Chinese armed forces. In Hong Kong, Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin held a reception at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, where he pledged to bolster defense capacity and promote patriotic and defense education within the city.