On the evening of July 24, Ms. Guo Min, the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of China to Azerbaijan, and Mr. Wang Lei, military attaché and senior captain of the PLA Navy, held a reception at the Gulistan Palace in Baku to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China. Nearly 300 people attended the reception, including senior generals of the armed force and officials of force departments of Azerbaijan, foreign diplomatic and military corps in Azerbaijan, and news media.

According to Mr. Wang Lei, the past 96 years have witnessed loyalty and responsibility, as well as a journey filled with magnificent achievements. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the PLA has made splendid contributions to the independence of the Chinese nation and the liberation of Chinese people. With exploits that time will never etch away, the PLA has become an important force to safeguard the peace and development of relevant regions and the world. Today’s world is in disorder and turmoil, in addition to experiencing accelerated changes unseen in a century. China adheres to the path of peaceful development, unswervingly pursues a national defense policy that is in nature defensive, and believes in the elimination of differences and divergences through dialogue and the transcendence of cooperation over competition. China calls for the peaceful coexistence and harmonious development of different civilizations, pursues dialogue instead of confrontation, and aims to build partnerships instead of alliances.

He also pointed out that the Chinese army is steadfast in advancing the great cause of forging a strong army, firmly resolved to safeguard the national interests of China. It is confident, determined, capable, and fully prepared to address any risk or challenge at any time. With great initiative, it is committed to strengthening mutual trust and exchanges with the armed forces of other countries and participates in international peacekeeping, maritime escort, humanitarian relief, and other operations. As the largest peacekeeping troop contributor among the permanent member states of the UN Security Council, China has made important contributions to the building up of a human community with a shared future.

As expressed by Mr. Wang Lei, Azerbaijan is an important friendly neighboring country of China, and the friendship between China and Azerbaijan can be traced back a long way. The ancient Silk Road started to link the peoples of the two countries together more than 2000 years ago. In the 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan, military relations between the two have developed smoothly under the guidance and leadership of the heads of state and the highest commanders of the armed forces of both countries, alongside closer ties in regional and international cooperation between them. It is firmly believed that under the strategic guidance and leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Aliyev, both sides will achieve more fruitful gains in high-level dialogues, strategic consultations, and pragmatic cooperation.

He also stressed that a just cause finds great support, and a journey with many companions gets far. All nations aspire to see the harmonious development of different civilizations. In the face of a constantly changing world, deepening the friendly and cooperative relationship between the armed forces of China and Azerbaijan conforms to the fundamental interests of both sides, which will also benefit the peoples of the two countries and be conducive to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the world and relevant regions.

The reception was held in a grand, warm, and friendly atmosphere. All guests extended congratulations on the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China, as well as their admiration and appreciation for the great accomplishments China has achieved in its reform and development and for the great progress in China’s modernization of its national defense and troops. They also spoke highly of the active efforts of the Chinese army in international peacekeeping, maritime escort, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and other fields. Lastly, all the guests present wished sincerely for greater accomplishments in China’s national defense and the building of its troops in future.