A reception is held to mark the PLA's
82nd founding anniversary in Beijing, capital of China, July 31, 2009.
(Xinhua/Wang Jianmin) Photo Gallery>>>
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China will unremittingly
pursue the path of peaceful development and its military will enhance
cooperation with foreign armed forces in order to contribute to common
development, said Defense Minister Liang Guanglie Friday.
"China will develop friendly cooperation with all the
countries in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence to make new
contributions to building a harmonious world of lasting peace and common
prosperity," said Liang at a reception at the Great Hall of the People in
Beijing to mark the 82nd anniversary of the establishment of the People's
Liberation Army (PLA).
"Peace and development remain themes of the times, yet the world is not peaceful," said Liang, who is also a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and a state councilor.
China's military would enhance exchanges and deepen
cooperation with foreign armed forces to fulfil its international obligations
and responsibilities, said Liang.
Liang said "positive changes" in the situation across
the Taiwan Straits had helped curb "Taiwan independence" forces, and the two
sides have expanded and deepened exchanges and cooperation in fields of economy
and culture, among others.
"We will firmly hold the theme of the cross-Straits
peaceful development, adhere to the one-China policy, oppose the secessionist
activities of 'Taiwan independence' forces and firmly safeguard China's
sovereignty and territorial integrity to continue to make due efforts for
peaceful development of cross-Straits relationship," said Liang.
In August 1927, the CPC armed forces led an uprising against warlords, which is regarded as the founding day of the services.
Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie, who is also member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and a state councilor, speaks at a reception to mark the 82nd founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing, capital of China, July 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Wang Jianmin) Photo Gallery>>>
"The PLA, focusing on modernization, will keep
improving its capacity to deal with crises and safeguard peace, and deterring
and winning a war," said Liang.
"The PLA will also prevent antagonistic forces from
carrying out separatist and sabotage activities and safeguard national security
and social stability," Liang said.
The reception was attended by CMC members Chen
Bingde, Li Jinai, Liao Xilong, Chang Wanquan, Jing Zhiyuan, Wu Shengli and Xu
Qiliang, army officers in active duty and representatives of retired army
officers, as well as foreign military attaches.
