DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 3 -- THE recent celebrations at the Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in a nutshell brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, government officials, business leaders and members of the public.

Here, the atmosphere was festive yet dignified and typical of such a diplomatic occasion filled with the expected protocol of speeches, handshakes and carefully curated smiles.

Amidst the usual formalities, one subtle but unspoken hope lingered among the guests: That the speeches would be inspirational, not interminable. Fortunately, the keynote addresses by Ambassador Chen Mingjian, Chinas Ambassador to Tanzania and Tanzanias Minister fo...