Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Ni Jian atThe Reception Marking the 92nd Anniversary of the PLA
2019-07-30 21:17

Your Excellency, Brigadier Mr. Ahmed Yousef Al-Suwaidi,

Dear friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening!

It gives me great pleasure to celebrate with you the 92ndanniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, I would like to extend my festive greetings to the PLA, and my warm welcome and sincere thanks to all guests present here tonight.

 "Recalling the past glories, we aspire to a better future". This year marks the 92nd anniversary of the PLA. Over the past 92 years, the PLA has worked arduously and strived heroically under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, thus making tremendous contributions to China's independence, liberation and prosperity, to national sovereignty, security and development interests, and to world peace and human development. At present, our defense and military development with Chinese characteristics has entered a new chapter. The PLA is accelerating in fostering a world-class people's army that is reformed, modernized and regularized, which is providing strong support for the realization of the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese Dream of great national rejuvenation.

Peace is the common aspiration and lofty goal of all mankind. China will always be the defender, participant and builder of world peace. As a firm guardian of world peace, the PLA stands ready to deepen military exchanges and cooperation with armies of other countries, to make a bigger contribution to world peace and development. This year marks the 29th anniversary of China's participation in the UN peacekeeping operations. During that course, China has dispatched nearly40 thousand peacekeepers who have taken part in 24 UN peacekeeping operations. In total, they have built 13 thousand kilometers of road, involved to complete 13 million kilometers of cargo transportation, treated 170 thousand patients, and accomplished over 300 armed patrols and escorts, to name but a few. Chinese naval hospital ships have visited 43 countries and delivered medical services to over 230 thousand local people. In the future, the Chinese army will be more active in international peacekeeping missions, counter-terrorism and humanitarian relief, enhance international cooperation on non-proliferation, take part in the management of sensitive hotspots, jointly safeguard the security of international routes, and provide more public security products. China will show in practice its determination to take responsibility as a major country, to build a community of shared future for mankind, and to make greater contributions in maintaining world peace and promoting common development.

In recent years, China-UAE defense cooperation has been deepened and substantiated. This year, Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe visited the UAE; a high-level military delegation from China attended the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi; and Chinese naval vessel Kunlunshan for the first time participated in theNaval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX). Military exchanges and interactions between China and the UAE have boosted mutual understanding and friendship, and become an important part of our all-dimensional cooperation. I believe with concerted efforts, China and the UAE will achieve new developments and reach new heights in our military relationship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The year 2019marks the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the 35th anniversary of China-UAE relationship, which is now at its best period of development in history. Last July, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to the UAE. Only few days ago, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed returned a successful visit to China. The exchange of visits between our top leaders within a year created a milestone in the history of China-UAE relationship, which is also testimony to the high levels and special significance of China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership. Let's take our leaders' mutual visits as an opportunity to push ahead with bilateral cooperation in the fields of military, political, economic and cultural exchanges, and further expand China-UAE great partnership, to promote the giant ship of China-UAE cooperation to set sail and embark on a new journey of common development in the new era!

Finally, may the friendship between China and the UAE last forever! May our two countries prosper and peoples live in happiness! May all the guests here today enjoy good health and great success!

Thank you!

Suggest to a friend
  Print