DAR ES SALAAM, July 25 -- IMAGINE a party where two very different guests and that is Chinas colossal Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and Tanzanias proud Peoples Defence Force (TPDF) coming together to celebrate nearly a century of one heck of a friendship.

On the occasion of the PLAs 98th birthday celebration at the Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Tanzanias TPDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Salum Haji Othman, did not just send a card, he showed up, hat in hand, praising the deep-rooted ties and promising to keep the bromance alive for many years to come.

“Its an honour,” Lt General Othman said with military polish, “to take part in the 98th anniversary of the PLAs founding.” He didnt stop there,...