Chinese and Indian military officials at the PLA's 99th anniversary reception in New Delhi (Photos: Media India Group)
The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi hosted a reception on Tuesday to commemorate the 99th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), where Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong reaffirmed China’s commitment to peaceful development and called for continued improvement in India-China relations, while newly appointed Defence Attaché Rear Admiral You Jian urged greater military communication and cooperation between the two countries.
Xu Feihong
Addressing diplomats, defence officials and invited guests, Xu said that over the past 99 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the PLA had made significant contributions to China’s national independence, development and prosperity, while also contributing to world peace and stability.
“China remained committed to the path of peaceful development and would continue to modernise its national defence under the guidance of Xi Jinping’s thoughts on strengthening the military. China would continue to fulfil its international responsibilities and work towards building ‘a community with a shared future for humanity,” says Xu.
Highlighting bilateral relations, Xu described China and India as important neighbours, major developing countries, emerging economies and key members of the Global South.
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He said exchanges in various fields had gradually resumed under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, communication and cooperation had progressed in an orderly manner and peace and tranquillity had generally been maintained along the border. He said China looked forward to translating the consensus reached by the two leaders into concrete actions to promote sustained improvement in bilateral ties and also expressed support for India’s Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Chairmanship.
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong addresses the gathering during the Chinese Embassy’s reception
The ambassador also welcomed Rear Admiral You Jian, who recently assumed charge as China’s Defence Attaché to India, expressing confidence that he would strengthen military exchanges and cooperation by building close working relations with his Indian counterparts.
In his address, You thanked the Indian military for rescuing 12 Chinese crew members from a cargo ship that caught fire and exploded off the Kerala coast last year, saying China would not forget the humanitarian assistance extended by India.
He said China and India were important neighbours at a critical stage of development and welcomed the return of bilateral ties to the path of improvement under the guidance of the two countries’ leaders.
Highlighting defence cooperation, You said the armed forces of both countries had made outstanding contributions and significant sacrifices in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Stressing that the common interests between India and China far outweighed their differences, he said China was willing to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation through dialogue and contribute to the well-being of the people of both countries.
Concluding his remarks, he expressed hope for the continued improvement of India-China relations as both sides pursue gradual normalisation through sustained high-level engagement.
