BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese army marked
its 80th birthday with a high-profile reception on Tuesday at which Defense
Minister Cao Gangchuan said the army will have zero tolerance of "Taiwan
independence."
"We will absolutely not allow Taiwan to secede from
China under any pretext or in any manner," Cao said.
The eight top Chinese leaders, Hu
Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Wu Guanzheng,
Li Changchun and Luo Gan attend the reception for PLA's 80th
birthday in the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, July 31,
2007.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
The eight top Chinese leaders, Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo,
Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun and Luo Gan
attended the reception in the Great Hall of the People.
Hundreds of officers of the People's Liberation Army
(PLA) attended the reception wearing the army's new uniforms as did foreign
envoys and military attaches.
The new uniform is set to enter official service on
Aug. 1.
Cao Gangchuan, also state councilor and vice-chairman
of the Central Military Commission, said PLA officers and soldiers would carry
on the tradition of following the CPC leadership, serving the people and doing
their duty with courage.
Cao said Hu Jintao, chairman of the Central Military
Commission and China's president, had put forward basic guidelines for the
military to develop in a sound and rapid way.
He called for all PLA officers and enlisted ranks
unite around the CPC leadership to push forward national defense and military
development.
"We will continue to make the utmost effort with the
highest sincerity in promoting peaceful development of relations across the
Taiwan Strait and strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification," Cao said.
The Chinese army was willing to strengthen exchanges
and cooperation with military forces of other countries on the basis of mutual
respect, equal consultation, mutual benefit and cooperation. He said the Chinese
army was willing to contribute to maintaining world peace.
The reception was also attended by personnel from all
military units, central and local government officials and representatives from
all sections of society.
