High-ranking security officials gathered last Saturday in Nanisana to celebrate the anniversary of the Chinese army. After Russia, the current regime intends to further develop military cooperation with China. Military relations between Madagascar and China continue to strengthen. On the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the founding of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the 90th anniversary of the Red Army's victory during the Long March, last Saturday, July 25, at the embassy of the People's Republic of China in Antananarivo, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to consolidating a strategic partnership based on trust and cooperation. The ceremony was marked by convergent statements from Chinese and Malagasy officials, who highlighted the "solidity" of ties between the two armies for over half a century. The current government, which preaches against exclusivity in diplomatic and strategic partnerships, continues expanding cooperation with China in both training and institutional exchanges. China's ambassador to Madagascar, Ji Ping, assured that Beijing remains fully committed to supporting Madagascar's Armed Forces. According to him, this military cooperation is one of the pillars of excellent relations between the two countries and will continue to strengthen in the coming years. The defense attaché at China's embassy echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Sino-Malagasy relations are based on values of fraternity, solidarity, and mutual respect, principles guiding exchanges between the two armies. Mutual Confidence Present at the ceremony, Defense Minister Ely Razafitombo recalled that China is now a leading strategic and political partner for Madagascar. He expressed the government's willingness to further develop military cooperation with China. The minister also praised the constant strengthening of bilateral military cooperation over the years in a "climate of mutual trust." He notably cited as concrete evidence China's provision of 73 training positions for Malagasy military personnel for the 2026-2027 academic year, support that will strengthen Madagascar's Armed Forces capabilities. Beyond the symbolic significance of this double anniversary, the ceremony confirmed the shared commitment of Antananarivo and Beijing to pursue military partnership set to develop further, continuing cooperation spanning over fifty years and now among the major axes of relations between the two states. Several high-ranking officials from the Defense Ministry, gendarmerie, and national police attended the ceremony last Saturday in Nanisana.