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China and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security and defence cooperation at a ceremony marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The event, held at the Chinese Embassy on Spur Loop in Freetown on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, brought together senior government officials, military officers, diplomats, and representatives of Sierra Leone’s security institutions.
Speakers at the Armed Forces Day reception highlighted the expanding partnership between the two countries, with a focus on military training, peacekeeping support, humanitarian assistance, and broader efforts to promote stability and development in Sierra Leone.
Representing the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, a government official conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
“On behalf of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Julius Maada Bio, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it is a great honour and privilege to join the celebration of the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army. Our coming together is a testament to the genuine friendship between the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Sierra Leone,” he said.
Delivering a keynote address, the Chinese Defence Attaché to Sierra Leone, Senior Colonel Pu Lin, said the PLA, over its 99-year history, has made significant contributions to China’s national independence, development and prosperity under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
He noted that in the new era, the PLA has deepened reforms, strengthened its operational capabilities and enhanced its force structure, which now includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, as well as Aerospace, Cyberspace, Information Support and Joint Logistics Support forces.
“The PLA has the confidence and capability to achieve complete reunification of the motherland and firmly safeguard China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security,” he stated.
He emphasised that China remains committed to a defensive national defence policy and peaceful development, describing the Chinese military as “a steadfast force for safeguarding world peace.”
Highlighting China’s global role, Pu Lin said China is the largest contributor of peacekeepers among permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, with nearly 1,800 personnel currently deployed and more than 50,000 peacekeepers sent abroad over the past 35 years.
He added that Chinese naval forces have conducted escort missions in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, dispatching over 150 vessels and 36,000 personnel, escorting more than 7,400 ships and rescuing nearly 100 vessels.
On humanitarian efforts, he pointed to China’s contributions during the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, including medical assistance to Sierra Leone. Chinese naval hospital ships Peace Ark and Silk Road Ark have also provided free medical services to nearly 400,000 people across 53 countries.
Turning to bilateral relations, Pu Lin described China and Sierra Leone as “good friends, good partners and good brothers,” noting growing military cooperation between the two countries.
He disclosed that Sierra Leonean military personnel have continued to benefit from training and exchange programmes in China, with training slots increasing from 28 in 2024 to 61 in 2026. Over 50 officers participated in various programmes over the past year, covering areas such as security, law, military medicine and infrastructure.
He also highlighted ongoing medical cooperation, including the deployment of the ninth team of 12 Chinese military medical experts to Sierra Leone this year. In total, more than 100 experts have provided treatment to over 10,000 people.
The Defence Attaché further noted China’s support for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), including infrastructure development at the 34 Military Hospital, donation of equipment, and provision of food supplies to soldiers ahead of Armed Forces Day.
Beyond the military, he said the Chinese Embassy has supported Sierra Leone’s broader security sector by providing equipment and training to institutions such as the Office of National Security, the National Commission on Arms and Ammunition, and the Defence Committee of Parliament.
Pu Lin also highlighted ongoing medical cooperation, including the deployment of the ninth team of 12 Chinese military medical experts to Sierra Leone this year. In total, more than 100 experts have provided treatment to over 10,000 people.
Also speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, said the reception marked both the 99th anniversary of the PLA and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone.
He recalled that diplomatic ties were formally established on July 29, 1971, and have since grown steadily, delivering significant benefits to both countries.
Proposing a toast, Ambassador Zhao called for continued friendship, prosperity and cooperation between the two nations, as well as the health and well-being of all guests.
The anniversary celebration served both as a commemoration of the PLA’s history and as a platform for reinforcing strategic ties between China and Sierra Leone, with both sides expressing a shared interest in deepening cooperation to support peace, security, and national development.
