BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Ministry of Defense held a briefing in Beijing Monday on the development of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), prior to the 80th anniversary of PLA's foundation, attracting 59 military attaches from 46 countries.

    Jiang Ying, a researcher with the PLA Academy of Military Sciences, gave a lecture on the creation, development and achievements of the PLA in different periods, and answered questions raised by some military attaches.

    The briefing gave the audience a better understanding of the 80 years of development of the PLA and deeper knowledge of PLA's service to the Chinese people and contribution to safeguarding world peace and stability, according to the foreign affairs office of the Ministry.

    The briefing would be helpful to exchanges and cooperation between armed forces of other countries and China, said representatives of the military attaches.

    Aug. 1, 2007 is the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the PLA.