current location：On July 22, 2019, Major Li Jingfeng, Defense Officer of the Embassy of New Zealand, held a reception to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the founding of theChinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the banquet hall of the Wellington Museum. Ambassador To New Zealand Ambassador Wu Wei and all diplomats of the Embassy, New Zealand Defense Minister Mark, Defence Force Commander Lieutenant General Short, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence Bridgeman and Deputy Secretary-General Yardley, a number of members of Parliament and other new military and political officials, friendly people from all walks of life, the New Mission, the Military Corps, as well as Chinese-funded institutions and representatives of overseas Chinese and international students attended a total of about 400 people. The atmosphere of the reception was always grand, friendly and warm, and it was a complete success.
Ambassador Wu pointed out that since its establishment in 1927, the people's liberation Chinese the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has made irreplaceable and indelible contributions to the liberation and peaceful development of the country, to China's reform and opening-up, and to safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. Today, the People's Liberation Army remains a strong guarantee for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and for the people to achieve a better life Chinese. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China. Over the past 70 years, China has made outstanding contributions to world peace, prosperity and progress. The Chinese army actively fulfills its international responsibilities and obligations and actively participates in United Nations peacekeeping operations, escort operations in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters. China is the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
Ambassador Wu said that China has unswervingly followed the path of peaceful development, pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and a defensive national defense policy, is committed to building a community of human destiny, and looks forward to working with other countries to build a lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness, inclusiveness, clean and beautiful world, and promote the building of mutual respect, fairness and justice. A new type of international relations with win-win cooperation.
Ambassador Wu said that the chinese and New Zealand militaries have actively carried out defense exchanges and cooperation and established an open and constructive relationship, which has become an indispensable part of promoting bilateral relations and enhancing mutual trust between the two sides. Earlier this month, Minister Mark made a successful visit to China and the two countries jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation Arrangements. On the eve of the visit, the two militaries formally signed a logistics cooperation agreement. All these add a new "first" to the cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Mark extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Chinese the 92th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army and praised China for its important contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Mark said that the chinese and New Zealand militaries have developed constructive relations based on the principles of openness and respect and have carried out proud cooperation in international peacekeeping, anti-piracy and humanitarian relief and disaster reduction. He made his first successful visit to China in early July and signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation Arrangements with China, consolidating strong cooperation in international peacekeeping, humanitarian relief and anti-piracy, and pointing the way for further pragmatic and constructive cooperation in the future.
Commander Short said that in recent years, China and New Zealand have achieved regular and institutional dialogue, consultation and exchanges, and have continuously enhanced understanding and mutual trust. At the end of August this year, the two militaries will jointly participate in the "Spirit of Cooperation - 2019" joint exercise to strengthen the planning, coordination and security in the humanitarian relief and mitigation operations. New Zealand is committed to continuing to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with the Chinese armed forces, enhance understanding and respect, and work together to safeguard world peace.
Li Jingfeng said that the Chinese army has devoted countless lives in its history to overthrowing colonial rule, resisting foreign aggression and establishing a new China. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the Central Military Commission, the Chinese military has actively adapted to the requirements of the new era, carried out revolutionary remodeling and leapfrogging development, and promoted all-round reform of the armed forces to meet the global trend of military change and internal and external security needs. The Chinese armed forces adhere to a defensive policy, keep in mind the beginning of their mission, protect national interests and safeguard global and regional peace and security.
Li said China seeks to build partnerships with armies, including New Zealand, in response to the diverse challenges of a complex global security environment and a mix of traditional and non-traditional security threats. Although the two countries are far apart, they have close cooperation and have carried out effective and in-depth cooperation in five areas, such as high-level exchanges, consultation and dialogue, professional exchanges, personnel training and multilateral cooperation. In the future, in order to meet global challenges, the two militaries must work together to further pragmatically carry out exchanges and cooperation.
The participants spoke highly of the achievements made by the Chinese army in construction and its contribution to world peace, and expressed the hope that practical exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese army would be further intensified in the future. The live broadcast of "China's Army for World Peace", feature pictures and photos of China-Singapore cooperation were praised by the guests.
