On 30thJuly, Chinese Embassy in Fiji held a grand reception to celebrate the 98th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The reception welcomed over 200 guests, including senior officers of Fiji government and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Defence Attachés to Fiji, representatives from Chinese enterprises and Chinese communities in Fiji.

Ambassador Zhou Jian stated in his address that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has made important contributions to safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests and promoting world peace and development. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China. China firmly upholds the post-war international order, and determines to safeguard the national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs stated that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is one of the most prominent defence institutions in the world. Fiji is willing to further strengthen the military relations with China and jointly contribute to the world peace and stability.

The reception also hosted the Photo Exhibition on the Development of Chinese PLA. The guests spoke highly of Chinese PLA’s development and its contributions to safeguarding world peace and expressed best wishes for strengthened bilateral relations of two countries and militaries.