On 30 July, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa hosted a reception to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, Defence Attaché MajGen. Wu Wei, South Africa's senior military and government officials including Angie Motshekga, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Richard Mkhungo, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, and Vice Admiral David Mkhonto, Chief of Logistics for the Department of Defence, along with defence attachés of other countries in South Africa, and representatives of the Chinese community and Chinese students. Approximately 300 guests attended the reception.

In his remarks, Ambassador Wu Peng noted that, in response to the evolving international and regional landscape, President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of important global initiatives, injecting positivity and certainty into a world full of changes and turmoil. China pursues a defensive national defence policy, and the Chinese PLA remains a steadfast force for maintaining world peace and stability. It is imperative that Chinese and South African militaries join hands to create a model of military cooperation among Global South countries, and make new and greater contributions to world peace, prosperity, and stability.

MajGen. Wu Wei reviewed the achievements of the PLA and military relations between China and South Africa. He stressed that the PLA will continue to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping military thoughts and stand by to effectively safeguard China's national interests.

Minister Angie Motshekga congratulated the PLA on the occasion of its 99th anniversary. She noted that the PLA has grown into a modern force that not only safeguards China's sovereignty but also contributes to global peace and stability. She expressed confidence that bonds between the defence institutions of the two countries will grow deeper.

The reception was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Guests spoke highly of the Chinese military as a mighty force for peace. Many collected copies of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" and other books, watched a video highlighting the spirit of the Long March and the achievements of the Chinese military, and visited a photo exhibition themed "Chinese People's Liberation Army: Safeguarding World Peace."