China's PLA Celebrates 99th Anniversary in Ecuador and Nicaragua

In Quito, Ecuador, the Chinese embassy marked the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army on July 21, 2026. The ceremony was led by Ambassador Sun Xiangyang and attended Ecuadorian Defence Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo, Joint Forces Commander Henry Delgado and other officials. Speakers highlighted the PLA’s modernisation, its role in protecting China’s sovereignty and the deepening military cooperation between the two nations, including joint training and language instruction.

Two days later, on July 23, 2026, Nicaragua hosted a comparable commemoration at the Chinese embassy. Chinese Ambassador Qu Yuhui presided over the event, which was attended by Presidential Advisor Laureano Ortega, Army General Julio César Avilés Castillo and members of the National Assembly. Officials stressed the PLA’s professional development, its contribution to peace and freedom, and the expanding defence partnership with Nicaragua.