UN mission marks PLA anniversary in New York

The Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations hosted a reception on Wednesday to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, which falls on Aug 1.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare and other senior executives, as well as military and police advisers to the UN, attended the event, with about 200 guests in total. China's permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, also attended the reception.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of both the victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the triumph of the global community in the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, said Yin Zhongliang, military adviser of China to the UN.

"This year is also the 35th anniversary of China's participation in UN peacekeeping operations," Yin said. "The PLA has provided a solid foundation for safeguarding national sovereignty, regional security and common development."

Despite current global instability and intensifying geopolitical challenges, the Chinese armed forces "remains committed to a defensive national defense policy, and sets the goal of contributing to build a community with a shared future for humanity", he said.

China will continue to promote the Global Security Initiative, strengthen support for and participation in UN peacekeeping missions, and work hard to bring more confidence and hope to the cause of world peace and stability, he added.

In his remarks at the event, Khare commended Chinese peacekeepers for their professionalism and dedication. "China has provided long-standing and robust support to the UN's peacekeeping efforts," he said, highlighting the important role of Chinese troops in some of the UN's most challenging missions.

Khare underscored China's contributions to peacekeeping medical services, aviation support, and technological innovations, citing recent examples of Chinese efforts in South Sudan, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He also emphasized China's leadership in organizing peacekeeping-related training and its support for gender-sensitive and community-based medical care in mission areas.

Continued cooperation

Cheryl Pearce, acting UN military adviser in the Department of Peace Operations, who ensures that peace operations receive the military support they need, said Chinese personnel demonstrate professionalism and commitment, and are a credit to UN peacekeeping. She expressed anticipation for continued cooperation as the PLA approaches its centenary.

Throughout the reception, guests also viewed videos highlighting the history and modernization of the PLA. Chinese military anthems were sung and a white paper on China's peacekeeping contributions was on display.

China is the largest troop contributor among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and has deployed more than 50,000 peacekeepers to over 25 missions since the 1990s, according to the UN and China's Ministry of National Defense.

minluzhang@chinadailyusa.com