China extolled for maintaining world peace
By KALOBWE BWALYA CHINA has played a key role in maintaining peace and security in the region and the world as a whole and has been a strategic partner in both economic and strategic cooperation, says Zambia Airforce (ZAF) Commander Lieutenant-General Eric Chimese.
Lt-Gen Chimese, who is in China at the invitation of the newly appointed Chinese Air force Commander Lt-Gen Ding Laihang said the People’s Liberation Army Airforce (PLAAF) should be commended for its quest to foster global peace and security.
He said PLAAZ and ZAF enjoyed cordial bilateral relations as evidenced in the number of similar air assets shared between the two Air Forces.
He said this includes platforms like the Y-12 and MA60 transport aircraft, the Z-9 helicopter, the K-8 Fighter Trainer aircraft and the L-15 Fighter Ground Attack aircraft.
And Lt-Gen Ding said China stood ready to hold hands with allied countries such as Zambia to build a better world and promote social stability in fulfilment of its obligation as a world power.
Lt-Gen Ding said it was exciting to have Lt-Gen Chimese as the first foreign Air Force Commander visiting the PLAAF under his command.
Lt-Gen Ding said that it was also good that Lt-Gen Chimese was visiting after conclusions of the 19th Party Congress which laid out the direction and development of China.
He said that the 19th Party Congress set out to build a moderately prosperous society by the year 2035 which would eliminate poverty for all Chinese people and by the end of the century, build China into a strong world power with Chinese characteristics.
“China attaches great importance to the development of middle income countries such as Zambia, through medical and economical support,
“Our relationship dates back to our founding fathers Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Chairman Mao Zedong when they strengthened ties between our two countries through the construction of Tanzania-Zambia Railway and Zambia has supported China in its one-China policy,” Lt-Gen Ding said.