KIGALI, Rwanda, July 25, 2026 — China and Rwanda reaffirmed their expanding military relationship on Thursday as senior officials from both countries gathered in Kigali to mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), underscoring defence cooperation that has become an increasingly visible pillar of broader bilateral ties.
The reception, hosted by the Chinese Embassy, brought together around 200 guests, including senior military officers, government officials and diplomats. Among those attending were Chinese Ambassador Gao Wenqi, Defence Attaché Senior Captain (Navy) Li Dayi, Major General Alex Kagame, Chief of Staff of the Reserve Forces of the Rwanda Defence Force, and Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation at Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence.
Speaking at the event, Li said China would continue modernising its armed forces under President Xi Jinping’s military reforms and pursue its long-term objective of building what Beijing describes as a “world-class military.” He said China remained committed to strengthening cooperation with Rwanda and portrayed the relationship as contributing to regional stability and international peace.
Li also reiterated Beijing’s longstanding position on safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while describing China as a force for peace and development in international affairs.
In his remarks, Major General Kagame praised the longstanding relationship between the two countries and thanked China for its support in Rwanda’s defence development. He said Kigali was committed to expanding military-to-military cooperation through professional exchanges and deeper institutional partnerships.
The reception reflected the growing strategic relationship between China and Rwanda, which have maintained diplomatic relations for 55 years. While economic cooperation has long dominated the partnership with Chinese investment supporting infrastructure, healthcare, education and agriculture security and defence cooperation has become increasingly prominent in recent years.
The two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signalling closer collaboration across political, economic and security sectors. Military exchanges, training programmes and high-level visits have become regular features of the relationship, although neither side disclosed new defence agreements during Thursday’s event.
The anniversary reception forms part of China’s broader diplomatic outreach, with embassies around the world hosting annual events ahead of the PLA’s founding anniversary on 1 August. Such receptions serve not only as ceremonial occasions but also as platforms for reinforcing defence diplomacy and strengthening military ties with partner countries.
Founded in 1927, the People’s Liberation Army is the armed force of the People’s Republic of China and plays a central role in Beijing’s national security strategy and its expanding international engagement, including participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and humanitarian missions
