People’s Republic of China celebrates 70th anniversary

On Tuesday, October 1, the government and millions of jubilant people of China will celebrate with pomp and circumstance the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Chairman Mao Zedong, leader of the Communist Party of China which was founded in 1921, proclaimed the founding of PRC on October 1, 1949, after a long and bitter civil war between the communists and the Kuomintang (KMT) led by Chiang Kai-shek. KMT forces were driven out of mainland China by the communists and they fled to the island of Taiwan, or Formosa as it was called.

Uganda and PRC established and have maintained cordial diplomatic relations since October 18, 1962, the year Uganda’s struggle for human dignity, self-determination and independence, spearheaded by Uganda Peoples Congress, achieved its desired objective and goal.
In 1962, PRC was not a member of the United Nations.

China was unjustly and unfairly locked out and denied membership of the UN by USA until 1971. The US did this by vetoing every year China’s application to join the world organisation. Hence from 1945 until 1971, the seat of PRC at the United Nations was fraudulently and illegally occupied by a US puppet called Taiwan, an island which is, in fact, an integral part of PRC like Hong Kong.

On November 15, 1971, a delegation from PRC was escorted by the UN chief of protocol to the plenary hall of the UN General Assembly and China, at long last, took her rightful seat in the august assembly of nations. It was a day of victory, celebration and jubilation for Africa, the non-aligned countries and all progressive forces throughout the world.

My friend and colleague, ambassador William Naggaga, who was then a third secretary at Uganda’s UN mission, witnessed that historic event. As a young and junior diplomat based at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I remember the joy and happiness we felt at the Uganda embassy on that momentous day. My boss and mentor, ambassador Matiya Lubega, treated us to an impromptu reception on the auspicious occasion.

Since 1971, PRC has been a committed, generous and reliable ally of Africa, non-aligned countries and the Group of 77. During my tour of duty at the United Nations, New York, I recall with appreciation the wholehearted and unconditional support China gave to the African group, especially on the questions of decolonisation and Africa’s collective struggle against racism, racial discrimination and apartheid in South Africa.

In 1976, when Uganda was chair of the Organisation of African Unity, I had the honour and privilege to deliver a militant speech, on behalf of the African group, at a meeting held at UN headquarters to discuss the deteriorating situation prevailing in apartheid South Africa which, as the Uganda delegation predicted and warned, soon erupted in violence.

Against this background, it’s painful, shameful and unacceptable to witness brutal xenophobic attacks meted by Black South Africans against fellow Black Africans from Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and elsewhere in the continent. As Alan Paton wrote: Cry, the beloved country!

Entertainment as diplomacy
Entertainment in the form of receptions, cocktail parties, luncheons and dinners are an important aspect of diplomacy. Many diplomatic activities, including serious negotiations, are often held over and during such functions and, in this regard, the Chinese are in a class of their own. I am sure Chinese embassies across the world will on Tuesday hold lavish receptions to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the PRC.

I have many fond memories of Chinese embassy receptions held in Addis Ababa, Kampala, New York, but especially in Brussels where ambassador Guan Chengynuan was such a jolly, generous and hospitable host. After he got to know that Chinese cuisine was one of my favourite dishes, the Chinese ambassador would always ensure that I don’t leave his often well-attended receptions without what Americans politely call, a “doggy bag” which would contain enough delicious food and assorted drinks for a family dinner on arrival at my residence.

For beer drinkers, one of the finest beers anywhere is Tsing tao, a Chinese beer, which is brewed by the largest beer brewing company in the world. It is followed by a Belgian brewing company called Inbev, whose flagship brand is Stella Artois beer.
I wish the government and People of China happy 70th anniversary celebrations.

Mr Acemah is a political scientist and retired career diplomat.
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