On July 24, the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea hosted a reception marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), an event that drew over 100 participants, including senior PNG defence officials, diplomats, and representatives from various sectors.
The occasion was more than ceremonial—it served as a platform to reaffirm and deepen bilateral military and diplomatic ties between China and PNG amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Pacific.
Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiaoguang opened the event by recalling the historical significance of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, framing it as a foundation of modern China's commitment to peace and development. Ambassador Yang described China as a "booster of global development, a source of international cooperation, and a stable anchor for peace," signalling Beijing’s broader ambitions under the Global Development and Global Security Initiatives.
He reiterated China's willingness to deepen cooperation with PNG, particularly in defence and regional stability, and framed the partnership as one that supports shared prosperity and mutual respect.
Senior Colonel Jiang Tuan, China’s Defence Attaché to PNG, outlined the tenets of China’s national defence policy, emphasising peaceful development, military modernisation, and the principle of non-interference. He reviewed the growing scope of military-to-military engagement between the two nations—ranging from officer exchanges to language training—and expressed hope for even stronger ties between the PLA and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
PNG’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Billy Joseph, congratulated China on the PLA’s 98th anniversary and reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to the One-China principle. He welcomed ongoing military cooperation and expressed PNG’s interest in expanding practical engagements in areas such as capacity-building, peacekeeping, and infrastructure support.
The event featured a photo exhibition documenting the PLA’s evolution and a screening of For Peace, a documentary portraying the PLA’s role in humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts. Notably, cadets from the PNGDF’s Mandarin language class performed songs in Chinese, reflecting the cultural and educational dimensions of the bilateral relationship.
While the atmosphere was warm and ceremonial, the event also highlights deeper strategic trends. China’s increasing engagement with Pacific Island defence forces, including support for training and logistics, has drawn attention from traditional regional powers such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. For PNG, balancing these relationships will require careful navigation, particularly as it seeks to strengthen its security capabilities while maintaining sovereignty and neutrality in regional affairs.
Events like the PLA reception reflect more than symbolic diplomacy. They signal Beijing’s intent to foster long-term defence partnerships in the Pacific—part of a broader push to expand its strategic footprint in a region that has become a focal point for major power competition.
As PNG and other Pacific nations continue to engage with diverse partners, questions of transparency, reciprocity, and alignment with national interests will remain central to discussions about defence cooperation in the region.