South Africa’s defence minister attended a Chinese military anniversary reception on July 30, as the Chinese Embassy marked the 99th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army before roughly 300 guests.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga led the South African delegation, joined by Deputy Minister Richard Mkhungo and Vice Admiral David Mkhonto, Chief of Logistics for the Department of Defence. Defence attachés from other nations stationed in South Africa also attended, along with members of the Chinese community and Chinese students based in the country.
Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng used the occasion to situate the PLA within a broader geopolitical argument. He characterized President Xi Jinping’s global initiatives as sources of stability in what he described as an increasingly turbulent international environment, and positioned China’s national defence posture as fundamentally defensive. The ambassador called for closer military cooperation between Chinese and South African forces, framing such a partnership as a model that Global South nations could pursue to advance collective interests in peace and prosperity.
The public dimension of the event was visible in its programming. Attendees viewed a video documenting the historical Long March and contemporary PLA achievements. A photographic exhibition titled “Chinese People’s Liberation Army: Safeguarding World Peace” was on display, and guests had access to copies of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” alongside related publications. These elements shaped the reception as much as the speeches did.
Defence Attaché Major General Wu Wei offered a retrospective on the PLA’s institutional development and on the military relationship between Beijing and Pretoria. He underscored the organization’s commitment to safeguarding China’s national interests under what he termed Xi Jinping military thought.
Motshekga, speaking on behalf of South Africa’s government, formally acknowledged the PLA’s evolution into a modern military institution. She recognized the force’s dual role, protecting China’s sovereignty while contributing to international stability, and expressed optimism about deepening defence ties between the two countries’ institutions.
Participants described the gathering as cordial and substantive. By any measure, the event reflected a relationship that both sides are actively cultivating, with speakers on both sides emphasizing shared interests in regional and global stability.
Whether that deepening military partnership translates into concrete joint programmes, and what form those programmes might take, remains the open question as the two countries approach the PLA’s centenary year.