Embassy holds reception to mark PLA anniversary

China places importance on developing state-to-state and military-to-military relations with the United States and conducting communications at various levels, the defense attaché of the Chinese embassy said at a reception to mark the 96th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army on Tuesday.

Major General Liu Zhan, defense attaché of the Chinese Embassy in the US, said mil-to-mil relations are an important part of China-US relations, and a stable mil-to-mil relationship is vital.

"It is hoped the US side will take concrete action to demonstrate sincerity, remove obstacles and manage differences, properly handle major issues concerning China's sovereignty, security and development interests and work with China to act on the common understanding between the two presidents and jointly promote the sound and stable development of the relations between the two countries and two militaries," Liu said.

In his speech, Liu said the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's interests.

"China must and will be reunited. We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force," he said.

Should there be any attempt to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, undaunted by any force and ready to make necessary sacrifices, he said.

Liu said the PLA is the people's army forged by the Communist Party of China. Over the past 96 years, he added, it has made "indelible" contributions to national independence, the liberation of the people and the prosperity of the country. The PLA has provided unflinching support for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and contributed significantly to world peace and stability.

He said the Chinese military has actively fulfilled its international responsibilities and obligations, and contributed to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

China has sent more than 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions to participate in United Nations operations, becoming the top contributor of peacekeepers among the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget.

"China will always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a champion of the international order. And the PLA will always be a force of justice in promoting world peace and development," Liu said.

He also said China is firmly committed to a defense policy that is defensive in nature, and the development of China's national defense is intended to meet its legitimate security needs as well as a boost to peace in the world.

Liu noted the world today is far from tranquil, as security challenges, such as political turmoil, armed conflicts, terrorism, natural disasters, energy and food crises persist.

The Global Security Initiative, put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is China's answer to the international security dilemma, he said.

"The PLA will resolutely implement the instructions of President Xi Jinping, and do its utmost to maintain international peace and security and promote global development and prosperity," he said.

A photo exhibition titled "In the Service of Peace and Sharing a Common Future: Chinese Military Maintaining World Peace" was held at the reception, which was attended by Minister Xu Xueyuan, Minister Jing Quan and more than 300 guests, including US military officers, diplomats of other countries, and representatives of overseas Chinese communities and Chinese institutions in the US.