DILI, 23 july 2024 (TATOLI) – On monday (22/07), the Ministry of Defense and the Chinese Embassy in Timor-Leste celebrated the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), at the Chinese Embassy, in Dili.
Speaking at the celebration, Chinese Defense Attache to Timor-Leste, Senior Colonel Liu Miao emphasized the steadfast role of the Chinese PLA in defending China’s national sovereignty and interests.
“During the revolutionary wars, the Chinese armed forces tirelessly fought for national independence and liberation. In the era of reform and opening up, the Chinese PLA has innovated while inheriting its traditions, developing towards a powerful military characterized by informatization and intellectualization, thereby safeguarding the nation’s economic and social progress,” said Miao.
Miao also spoke about the PLA’s commitment to always adhere to a path of peaceful construction and development.
“In the over 70 years since the founding of People’s Republic of China, we have never proactively initiated a conflict or invaded an inch of foreign territory, making us one of the major countries with the best records of peace in the world. Currently, China is advancing the national rejuvenation through modernization with Chinese characteristics, which entails a path of peaceful development, seeking its own growth while maintaining world peace and development,” he explained.
Miao touched on the active participation of the PLA in the fulfillment of international obligations.
“The Chinese PLA is committed to actively fulfilling its international responsibilities and obligations, contributing to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. Since participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations in 1990, China has dispatched over 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions. Currently, over 2,200 Chinese personnel are engaged in eight peacekeeping mission areas, actively participating in the noble cause of maintaining world peace and fulfilling the responsibilities of a major power,” Miao said.
Meanwhile, the Chinese PLA maintains a gesture of openness, inclusiveness, and practical cooperation, according to Miao.
“The PLA is a force that embraces collaboration. A peaceful, stable, and prosperous China is an opportunity and a blessing for the world; a strong Chinese PLA serves as a steadfast force for maintaining global peace and stability. The Chinese PLA is committed to conducting international military exchanges and cooperation based on mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation, collectively addressing global security challenges,’ he added.
With regard to the defense cooperation between the two countries, Miao said that he will work closely with the Ministry of Defense, the F-FDTL, and various friends to strengthen military exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, and continuously promote the development of relations between the two countries and militaries: “I am confident that the prospects for cooperation between China and Timor-Leste, as well as between our armed forces, will continue to flourish.”
The Timorese Defense Minister, Pedro ‘Klamar Fuik’, on behalf of the government of Timor-Leste, congratulates the Chinese government and the Chinese people on the celebration of the 97th anniversary of the PLA establishment.
He said that the Ministry of Defense is looking forward to working closely with China to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army was established on August 1st, 1927. It is a people’s army founded and led by the Communist Party of China.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
