China toasts army, age-old ties with Zambia
By Tony Nkhoma
THE Chinese Embassy in Zambia on Wednesday celebrated the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The embassy also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the triumph of the global community in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN).
The event also marked the 35th anniversary for China’s engagement in UN peacekeeping operations.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing commended the PLA for providing a solid foundation for safeguarding national sovereignty, regional security and common development.
Han said although the global crisis and geopolitical challenges had escalated in recent years, the Chinese armed forces remained committed to a defensive national defence policy.
“China continues to set the goal of contributing to build a community with a shared future for mankind, which means we will actively advances the Global Security Initiative, strengthen the support for and participation in the UN peacekeeping operations and work hard to bring more confidence and hope for the cause of would peace and stability,” he said.
Han said after 98 years of hard but unswerving struggle, the country’s army had become a strong force that had made historic contributions to national independence and people’s liberation.
“Today, it is working relentlessly not just to safeguard national sovereignty, security and developmental interests but also to uphold world peace and human progress,” he said
Han said as a powerful force for regional and global peace, the PLA had been actively involved in international disaster relief and humanitarian assistance endeavors.
“We Chinese Blue Helmets deployed in over 20 countries and regions, constantly serving as builders of world peace, contributors to global development and keepers of international order, earning praise from the international community,” he said.
Han said as a crucial part of the world anti-fascist war victory, the triumph belonged to the Chinese people and the people of the world.
He said with a focus on the common interests of the Chinese people and the people of the rest of the world, Chinese President Xi Jinping had proposed a concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Han said Zambia and China would always continue to strengthen ties and support each other on the joint path to modernisation.
“Our mutual support can also be found in international affairs such as the United Nations and the peacekeeping operations,” he said.
“China will work with Zambia to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, including military and security cooperation, as we continue down the path to modernisation and prosperity as close partners in the joint effort to build a high-level community with a shared future for humanity.”
