By Mercy Peter
China marked the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday with a commemorative event that celebrated its military legacy while emphasizing its continued commitment to peace, international cooperation, and global security.
Addressing defence officials, military advisors, and international guests, Defence Attache of the Embassy of China, Snr Colonel Ouyang Haisheng reflected on the PLA’s historic journey since its founding in 1927.
The formation of the PLA, he noted came at a time of great turmoil in China’s history—a period marked by warlordism, foreign influence, and civil strife.
“China was in its darkest hour,” Haisheng said . “It was only through the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the enduring efforts of the PLA that a new China was eventually born.”
The PLA today is not only a symbol of national unity and strength but also a pillar of trust and security for the Chinese people, He emphasized.
“In China, even children know they are safe if they find a soldier of the PLA,” one official said, highlighting the military’s deep connection with the public.
Underscoring China’s global responsibilities, Haisheng highlighted the PLA’s growing role in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
He stressed that China is currently the largest troop contributor among the UN Security Council’s five permanent members (P5) and the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
China’s commitment to global peace and stability was further underscored by its promotion of President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative (GSI).
First proposed amid rising global tensions, the GSI champions dialogue over confrontation, mutual benefit over zero-sum rivalry, and partnerships over exclusive alliances.
The initiative aims to reshape global security governance through inclusivity, cooperation, and shared development.
“As the world faces multiple unprecedented crises, China continues to offer its wisdom and solutions to advance human progress,”he added, referencing related proposals such as the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.
China also announced that it will hold a major military parade in Tiananmen Square on September 3, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.
The parade will feature a full display of China’s domestically produced active-duty weaponry, including advanced systems focused on modern warfare capabilities such as underwater combat, electronic warfare, hypersonic technology, and cyber operations.
He said the event will be a showcase of “real-combat-oriented, system-based combat capabilities,” emphasizing both innovation and self-reliance in defence development.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. China stands ready to work with all nations to build a safer, more secure future for humanity.” He stressed.
