China and Gabon strengthen ties amid 52 years of diplomatic relations

Marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese embassy in Libreville hosted a special event, emphasizing the enduring spirit of partnership and peace between China and Gabon. The gathering brought together high-ranking officials and diplomats to reflect on decades of collaboration.

In his address, China’s Ambassador to Gabon, Zhou Ping, highlighted the robust ties between Libreville and Beijing. He noted that 2024 also commemorates 52 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. A significant milestone will follow in November, when Gabon’s President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, is set to visit China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Zhou underscored key milestones for China in 2026: the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He emphasized the CPC’s century-long role in steering China toward national independence, economic growth, and the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the modern era.

“For over a hundred years, the CPC has led the Chinese people and the PLA in delivering extraordinary contributions to our nation’s sovereignty, progress, and the construction of a distinctly Chinese socialist model,” he remarked.

Against a backdrop of global instability, the diplomat reaffirmed China’s commitment to diplomacy and conflict resolution. He spotlighted the country’s “four global initiatives”—focusing on development, security, civilization, and international governance—presented as a blueprint for global peace and advancement.

The ambassador cited tangible examples of cooperation, including the 2024 visit of the “Peace Ark”, China’s hospital ship, which made its second stop in Gabon, and the recent deployment of a Chinese military medical mission to Gabon. These efforts, he noted, have revitalized military collaboration between the two nations.

The evening also served as an introduction to Gabon’s evolving defense partnership with China, as Colonel Zhang Song, the newly appointed military attaché, was presented to the audience.