Your Excellency USG Lacroix,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

Welcome to today’s reception and join us in celebrating the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army. 

In the past 96 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the PLA has made indelible contributions to the independence of the nation, the liberation of its people, and the development of the country. The PLA has been serving not only as a strong safeguard for China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests, but also as a major contributor to world peace and tranquility.

The world today has once again reached a crossroads in history, full of uncertainties, instabilities and challenges.

Facing the global landscape featuring turmoil and changes, China is committed to maintaining common security of all countries and building a community with a shared future for humankind, and will join hands with all countries in implementing the Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.

Facing major-country rivalry and geopolitical disputes, China maintains firm strategic resolve, stays committed to peaceful development, and pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature.

Facing the flare-ups of hotspot issues, China always stands on the side of peace by upholding fairness and justice and promoting political settlement through dialogues.

Facing the increasing international deficits in security, peace, and governance, China firmly supports the central role of the UN, upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and actively participates in peacekeeping operations, sending more troops to PKOs than any other P5 members.

At present, the Chinese people are forging ahead on a new journey towards building a modern socialist country in all respects. Moving forward, China will continue to modernize our national defense and the armed forces, and firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security, and development interests. At the same time, we will, as always, join hands with all peace-loving countries and peoples to further contribute to the universal and common security and sustaining peace of the whole world. We will continue to extend strong support to the peace efforts of the UN, including its PKOs, so as to deliver more hope to those who are in need.

Thank you.