Kenya and Chinese forces on Thursday celebrated their collaboration milestones over the years.

The Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General David Keter underscored the role that collaboration and exchanges between the two armies has played in allowing the soldiers to experience firsthand history, heritage, and traditions.

“Our officers and troops have had the privilege of participating in diverse training programs, staff courses, seminars, and study visits hosted by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Chinese institutions,” he said. 

He spoke during the 98th anniversary of the PLA held at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi in an event that brought together senior officials from the two security fronts. 

Keter noted that the opportunities have broadened Kenya’s strategic perspectives and strengthened the Kenya Defence Forces’ capacity and helped in exporting personnel to learn new ideas and technologies. 

“Through this robust and open testing, our armies have grown closer, sharing experiences in areas such as disaster response, in support operations, counter-terrorism, and capacity building,” he stated. 

He added: “These lessons have strengthened our ability to adapt and respond to emerging security challenges with confidence and confidence.”

The event also marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. 

The triumph came after 14 years of bloody and arduous struggle, an achievement the Chinese people descried as a monumental victory in their resistance against the aggression. 

An end to the battle would later lead to the founding of the United Nations, which laid an important foundation for the post-war international order and ushered a new era of peace and development. 

However, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, raised concern over the laxity of many countries’ in upholding the principles and aspirations of the UN charter. 

“Unilateralism is rampant, hegemonic practices are prevailing, the international order and rules are being undermined, and the authority of the UN in international affairs is being challenged,” she said. 

Ms. Haiyan urged nations across the globe to use the anniversary as an opportunity to jointly uphold a correct view of history to safeguard the outcomes of the victory and to uphold the authority of the UN. 

“Relations and interests between countries must be coordinated through systems and rules. Those with the bigger fist should not have the final say. Major countries, in particular, should take the lead in advocating and upholding international law,” she said. 

“We will adhere to the principle of “sincerity, real results, affinity, and good faith,” promote the vigorous development of the China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era, and jointly build peace and prosperity in the Horn of Africa. We will deepen China-Africa peace and security cooperation and play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and security across Africa,” she added.