China-Gabon ties: half a century of growing partnership

As China marks the 99th anniversary of its People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese embassy in Libreville hosted a special gathering underscoring the deepening collaboration between Gabon and Beijing. The event highlighted not only the historical milestones of the PLA but also the evolving partnership between Gabon and China, now in its 52nd year.

In his address, China’s ambassador to Gabon, Zhou Ping, emphasized the robust ties between Libreville and Peking. He noted that 2024 is particularly significant as it coincides with the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This milestone will be further celebrated in November when Gabon’s head of state, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, travels to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

Looking ahead, the ambassador referenced pivotal moments in China’s history set for 2026: the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He reflected on the CPC’s century-long journey, stating, “For over a hundred years, the CPC has led the Chinese people and its armed forces in achieving extraordinary feats for national independence, economic progress, and the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics in this new era.”

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As global tensions rise, Ambassador Zhou reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to fostering peace through dialogue. He spotlighted the “four global initiatives” introduced by President Xi Jinping—focused on development, security, cultural exchange, and international governance—as pillars of China’s vision for global stability and prosperity.

Concrete examples of this cooperation were highlighted during the event. The ambassador cited the 2024 visit of the “Peace Ark”, China’s hospital ship, which made its second stop in Gabon, as well as the recent reception of a Chinese military medical mission in Gabon. These initiatives have injected fresh momentum into Sino-Gabonese military collaboration.

The evening also served as a platform to introduce Gabon’s defense community to China’s new military attaché, Colonel Zhang Song, who now represents Beijing’s defense interests in Libreville.