Chinese ambassador hails national rejuvenation on army anniversary

China's commitment to defending its borders and sovereignty is unwavering, the country's ambassador to the UK said, as he celebrated 97 years of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

At a reception at the Chinese Embassy in London on Thursday, Zheng Zeguang said the country's military was on track to meet its objective of becoming a world-class force by the mid-21st century in terms of combat readiness, technological capabilities, and overall modernization.

"We will definitely achieve this goal through the Chinese path on the new journey. The [Chinese Communist] Party will continue to provide steadfast support for safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Zheng.

However, the PLA's role goes well beyond defending China's people as it plays a global role in peacekeeping and building international relationships.

China in the world

The PLA's involvement in UN peacekeeping operations dates back to 1990, when China first contributed personnel to international missions. Since then, China has become the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping and one of its major troop contributors.

Major General Feng Min, Defence Attaché of the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the PLA's extensive contributions to international peacekeeping.

"Since 1990, China has sent over 50,000 personnel to nearly 30 United Nations peacekeeping missions, clearing over 18,000 mines and providing medical care to nearly 300,000 people," Feng noted. "Our hospital ship, Peace Ark, has offered free medical treatment to over 250,000 people across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.”

Mick Smeath, Air Vice-Marshal in the British Royal Air Force, said China and the UK, as two important nations on the world stage have to work together to promote peace and stability.

"I was very pleased to see that for the first time our chiefs of our armed forces recently spoke, and it was a very fruitful conversation. They will meet again, hopefully in September at the Strategic Dialogue for defence, and I think it is the defence relationship and the military relationship that arguably is the part of the backbone of China and the UK's overall strategic relationship," said Smeath.

Mohammad Fasial, Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK, noted China has been striving to contribute to world peace. The Beijing Declaration was signed on Tuesday to end divisions amongst 14 Palestinian factions and strengthen Palestinian unity.

"China's efforts to bring down conflicts are noted by people around the world, especially by the Muslim Ummah [global community] and people in Pakistan," Fasial said. "China's role in Gaza and other conflict zones demonstrates its commitment to peace."

China-UK economic cooperation

Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador highlighted China's ambitious economic reforms and its commitment to opening up its markets, as discussed in the recently concluded third plenary session, which focused primarily on economic reform.

"We are committed to deepening reforms comprehensively to advance China's modernization. Over 300 reform measures have been put forward, focusing on economic, political, cultural, ecological, and social welfare improvements," the ambassador stated. "China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation."

Jack Perry, Chairman of The 48 Group Club, emphasized the practical aspects of engaging with China's economy and expressed hope that the newly elected Labour Government will clarify its policy towards China.

"If you look in the UK right now, we need investment. So if you want investment, you have to show where the policies are, where the subsidies are, where the opportunities are," Perry said. "Our last government, what we showed China's investment could be was non-existent. So I hope that in these next 100 days, it's a clear indication of what industries China can invest in and how."