This commitment was underscored during a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on the evening of Friday, July 11, 2025, to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The event coincided with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
It brought together members of the Defence Attachés Association in Rwanda, the diplomatic corps, Rwandan government officials, the Chinese community in Rwanda, and friends of China.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Senior Navy Captain Li Dayi, highlighted the PLA's historic role in safeguarding national independence, promoting peace, and supporting global stability.
Since its founding on August 1, 1927, the PLA has undergone nearly a century of transformation, aligning military growth with China's national rejuvenation and its commitment to international peace.
Senior Navy Captain Li noted that peacekeeping is embedded in the PLA's ethos, pointing out that China has contributed more than 50,000 personnel to 25 UN peacekeeping missions since 1990, the highest among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
He also acknowledged China's naval efforts in protecting international shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.
On China-Rwanda military ties, Li praised the growing relationship between the PLA and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), citing increasing mutual trust, training exchanges, and ongoing military cooperation.
'The relations between the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Rwanda Defence Force have yielded fruitful outcomes over the years. Mutual trust has been continually enhanced as a result of deepened cooperation in high-level exchanges, personnel training, and military aid and trade,' he noted.
'China is willing to continue to work together with African brothers including Rwanda, to deepen cooperation in national defense, to jointly address regional security challenges, to support 'African solutions to African problems,' Li added.
Maj Gen Alex Kagame, the Rwanda Reserve Force Chief of Staff (RFCOS) who represented the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized that the history of the Chinese People's Revolutionary Army is a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and unity.
He observed that these are values Rwandans also hold in high regard and strongly identify with.
Maj Gen Kagame further praised the role of the Chinese People's Revolutionary Army in advancing the professionalization and capacity building of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
To date, over 300 RDF personnel have graduated from Chinese military institutions in the past decade, with many more currently undergoing training in China.
'I therefore wish to reiterate that Rwanda's commitment deepens our cooperation and promotes mutual understanding. With that in mind, the upcoming signing of an MOU on defence cooperation will further strengthen our defence capabilities,' he noted.
The longstanding relations between Rwanda and China span 76 years, marked by substantial cooperation in various areas.
Théophile Niyitegeka
