THE Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering military and security ties with China.

Lieutenant General Salum Haji Othman, the TPDF chief of staff, underlined the strength of this relationship at a commemorative event in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, pointing at a deepening strategic alliance.

Chen Mingjian, the ambassador, hosted the event at the chancellery, to mark 98 years of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), where the TPDF second in command praised enduring defence cooperation between the two countries.

These links are pivotal to regional peace, stability and global security, he said, asserting that  as the military reflects on shared sacrifices and achievements, TPDF looks forward to building upon the solid foundation to further enhance defence and security collaboration.

This is for the benefit of the two countries and the world at large, he said, underlining that the long-standing relationship between TPDF and the PLA is rooted in historical solidarity and is increasingly essential in navigating emerging security challenges in Africa and beyond.

The Chinese envoy described the PLA as a cornerstone in the flourishing China-Tanzania friendship, restating Beijing’s commitment to supporting Tanzania across key sectors, defence included, within the broader framework of China’s foreign policy.

Saluting the deep, broad and resilient ties between China and Tanzania, she said that China has always regarded Tanzania as among its best friends and places great importance on this relationship.

She traced the historic ties to strategic link up between Chairman Mao Zedong and President Julius Nyerere, laying the groundwork for a unique bilateral friendship forged in the struggles for independence, unity and development.

 “From national liberation to modernization, we have always stood side by side—supporting each other through thick and thin. Our bond continues to grow stronger,” the envoy declared.

Over the past six decades, China-Tanzania cooperation has produced tangible results across sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, industry, healthcare—and increasingly, military affairs.

Colonel Wang Haijun, the defence attaché, profiled the Chinese military’s commitment to deepening its ties with TPDF, highlighting growing cooperation in training, equipment support and naval engagement.

“Our collaboration now extends from capacity building to joint exercises and equipment sharing. The three PLA naval ship visits to Tanzania underscore our unwavering commitment to this partnership,” he elaborated.

Both armed forces share a vision of peace, prosperity and development underpinned by mutual respect and strategic trust, he said, highlighting that the anniversary is a moment of reflection on the PLA’s transformative role since its founding on 1st August 1927. “For nearly a century, the PLA has evolved into one of the world’s largest and most capable military forces, contributing not only to China’s defence and development but also to global peacekeeping, maritime security and humanitarian operations.

“Through its participation in UN peacekeeping missions, international disaster response and joint security initiatives, the PLA positions itself as a global stabilising force,” he remarked.

As both nations look ahead, the deepening military partnership between Tanzania and China is set to play an increasingly strategic role in fostering regional security and advancing shared development goals across the Global South, he added.