WELLINGTON, New Zealand, July 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The Chinese embassy in New Zealand, hosted a reception on Monday evening, to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, which falls on Aug 1.
Wu Xi, China’s Ambassador to New Zealand, stressed China’s important role in maintaining world peace and stability. “Over the past 92 years, the PLA has grown into a modern armed forces, dedicated to national security and unity, as well as, to world peace and stability. “
“It participates extensively in United Nations peacekeeping operations, has escorted missions in the Gulf of Aden, and engaged in international humanitarian rescue and assistance. China is the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and takes up the second-largest peacekeeping assessment rate among all nations.
As such, the PLA is and will continue to be an important force in helping to build world peace, contributing to global development and maintaining international order,” Wu said.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Wu said, “China will continue to play a constructive role in regional hot-spots, continue to present Chinese proposals and solutions, and strive to make greater contributions to resolving regional and international issues.”
Senior Colonel, Li Jingfeng, the Defence Attaché, noted that, PLA is and will be forever a defensive force. “PLA remains true to its original aspiration and keeps its mission firmly in mind, an aspiration and mission to safeguard China, promote regional and global peace and stability, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. “
More than 300 guests, including New Zealand’s Minister of Defence, Ron Mark, Chief of Defence Force, Kevin Short, Secretary of Defence, Andrew Bridgeman, other high-level military officers and foreign delegates in New Zealand, attended the reception.– NNN-AGENCIES
