The Chinese Embassy in Kuwait organized a reception at the Crowne Plaza to commemorate the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, drawing senior Kuwaiti military figures including Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshaal Al-Sabah as chief guest. Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshaal Al-Sabah described the bilateral relationship as built on deep friendship, mutual respect and a well-established strategic partnership that has yielded particular progress in defense and security cooperation. A separate statement from embassy officials noted that the event reflected the strong personal engagement of Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Chinese President Xi Jinping in guiding ties forward over 55 years since diplomatic relations were established in 1971.
Senior Colonel Liu Zongzhen, the Chinese defense attaché, outlined the PLA’s evolution from its origins in 1927 as a force dedicated to serving the Chinese people into a modern military focused on national defense and international peace. The attaché pointed to China’s defense policy as one oriented toward protecting stability rather than expansion, according to remarks delivered at the gathering. Such principles have guided the country’s consistent support for United Nations efforts, where cumulative dispatches of personnel have exceeded 50,000 across more than 20 missions.
United Nations Peacekeeping data ranks China as one of the largest contributors of troops and police among the permanent members of the Security Council, with roughly 2,200 personnel currently deployed as of early 2026. The International Peace Institute’s records further illustrate how Beijing’s involvement has expanded steadily since the early 1990s, encompassing engineering, medical and security units in diverse theaters. These contributions align with the PLA anniversary theme of peace through strength that embassy representatives reiterated during the Kuwait event.
Discussions at the reception also touched on broader regional and global transformations that require closer coordination between the two partners. Senior Colonel Liu Zongzhen expressed hope that existing agreements would be implemented more fully through increased military exchanges and joint training opportunities. Kuwaiti attendees, including Commander of the Artillery Corps Brig. Gen. Faisal Al-Ajil, echoed the call for sustained collaboration as both nations navigate shared security concerns.
The Chinese Embassy in Kuwait has described the strategic partnership as entering its most productive phase, supported by growing economic links that saw bilateral trade surpass $20 billion in recent years according to Chinese commerce ministry statistics. Oil exports from Kuwait to China form a cornerstone of the relationship, while defense ties have expanded through high-level visits and technical cooperation. Ambassador Yang Xin, who presided over the anniversary reception, used the occasion to reaffirm Beijing’s commitment to multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution alongside its Gulf partners.
Additional Kuwaiti military officials in attendance underscored the practical benefits of the partnership, from equipment modernization programs to intelligence sharing on counterterrorism. The embassy report on the event highlighted how such engagements help address contemporary challenges ranging from maritime security to disaster response coordination. Participants agreed that continued high-level dialogue would further consolidate gains achieved under the strategic framework both capitals have cultivated.
