Minister of Defence Monica Chang’anamuno has described China as a strategic and reliable partner in defence and national development, citing growing cooperation in military training and infrastructure development.
She made the remarks at the Chinese Embassy in Lilongwe on Friday during a ceremony to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
“At the Ministry of Defence, particularly at the Malawi Defence Force, they are assisting us with training programmes, infrastructure and discipline building. So, when our friends are celebrating, we too must stand with them,” said Chang’anamuno.
She said Malawi has drawn valuable lessons from PLA, particularly in
discipline and professionalism, virtues she said have elevated the MDF’s reputation across the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) region.
In her remarks, Chinese Ambassador Lu Xu said the celebration was a reaffirmation of the shared values and growing military cooperation between the two countries.
“Celebrating the founding of the Chinese Army means a lot really. This is the 98th anniversary that we are celebrating. The army is not for war; it’s for peace. And we share the same value with the MDF. That is my strong belief,” she said.
Lu expressed satisfaction with the current momentum of bilateral relations, adding that there remains room for deeper collaboration.
She said: “I quite enjoy working with the Malawian Government, Parliament and all sectors of society. We are making great efforts to promote our bilateral relationship.
“I’m satisfied with the status quo, but I still believe there’s more that can be done. I’ve got three or four years more and I will do my best to promote this partnership.”
The PLA, which was founded on August 1 1927, is the armed wing of the Communist Party of China and the world’s largest standing military force
