Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Qi Zhenhong, commemorated the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at a reception held in Colombo, highlighting the PLA’s transformation into a modern world-class force and reaffirming strong military ties with Sri Lanka.
In his remarks, Ambassador Qi praised the PLA’s historic journey, modernization efforts, and contributions to global peacekeeping. He noted that under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China’s military has significantly advanced in its capabilities, with emphasis on defense reforms, strategic deterrence, and international cooperation.
He also emphasized China’s commitment to peaceful development and mutual respect, stating that a stronger China brings more peace and prosperity to the world.
Referring to bilateral ties, Ambassador Qi highlighted the Chinese Navy’s hospital ship Peace Ark treating nearly 5,000 Sri Lankans during its visit last year, calling it a model of military cooperation. He pledged continued support and deeper collaboration between the two armed forces in strategic areas. (Newswire)
Speech at the Celebration of the 98th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA)
H.E. Qi Zhenhong
On the occasion of the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, I would like to pay high tribute to our glorious servicemen and women and extend my sincere appreciation to all friends who care about and support China’s national defense and military modernization!
History is like a torch, lighting the way forward. The PLA has always been a heroic force that marches from victory to victory. Over the past 98 years, through trials and hardships, the PLA has grown and thrived through self-reliance and hard work, fearless of any suppression, and courageous to stand against the strong enemies. These 98 years of struggle and glory have paved the way for the PLA to grow from millet and rifles to a modern armed force with aircraft carriers cruising and fighter planes arrayed, striding confidently toward becoming a world-class military power.
Entering the new era, under the guidance of President Xi Jinping’s philosophy on strengthening the military, China’s defense and military reforms have been deepened. The PLA now has new systems, a new structure, and a new configuration. The maneuver operations as well as multi-dimensional offense and defense capabilities of the Army have been significantly enhanced. The navy has accelerated the transition from offshore waters defense to open seas protection. The air force is becoming more capable to integrate air-space capabilities and coordinate offensive and defensive operations. And the rocket force keeps strengthening its nuclear and conventional capabilities and makes sure it can deter wars in all battlespaces. All this progress is providing strong strategic support for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
This year, to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a military parade will be held on September 3 in Tian’anmen Square, Beijing, once again showing the world that the PLA is a mighty force, a civilized force and a force for peace.
History is like a mirror, seeing the road ahead. The PLA has always been the mainstay of world peace and security. Faced with the continuous and profound evolution of the current international situation, and the question of the times and history of which path humanity is to take, President Xi Jinping called for joint efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity, advocated the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, stressed that China insists on developing a military-to-military tie that is not based on alliance, not confrontational and not targeting any third country, and promoted the establishment of just and effective collective security mechanisms and military confidence-building mechanisms.
China actively participates in international peacekeeping, anti-piracy escort and other operations, demonstrating its responsibility as a major country. History and reality have and will continue to prove that the stronger and more developed China is, the more peaceful and prosperous the world will be. China has always been a good partner and true friend worthy of trust.
History is like the tide, washing away the sands to reveal true gold. The Chinese and Sri Lankan militaries have always been important forces in maintaining and promoting the sovereignty, security, development interests and traditional friendship of the two countries. Last year, China’s hospital ship Peace Ark provided free medical consultations to nearly 5,000 Sri Lankan people, conducted examinations and tests for 2,247 individuals, and performed 51 surgeries. It has become a model of exchange and cooperation between our two militaries. In recent years, such exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries in the fields of equipment cooperation, personnel capacity building, troop training, and maritime security have been increasingly deepened.
China will, as always, work with Sri Lanka to strengthen strategic mutual trust and continue to support each other on issues bearing on our respective core interests and major concerns.
History is like a song that inspires us to forge ahead. Looking back, the footprints of the Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian in search of the Dharma and the sails of Admiral Zheng He’s fleet have composed magnificent chapters in the friendship between China and Sri Lanka.
Looking to the future, let us raise our glasses together
— to the steady and enduring development of relations between our two countries and our two militaries
— to our joint efforts to safeguard regional and global security and promote shared prosperity and development
— to the health and happiness of everyone present
at this reception
Cheers!
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