China's embassy in Argentina marks 90th anniversary of PLA

BUENOS AIRES -- China's embassy in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires Friday marked the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), underscoring the country's peaceful development.

"In the 90 years since the founding of our armed forces, and under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, they have achieved a series of successes," China's military attache Liu Chang said.

Among the contributions Liu listed "national independence, the liberation of the people, safeguarding the country's sovereignty and security, and promoting world peace and development."

"Starting in 2015, China's Armed Forces have undergone the most extensive reforms in their history, including the creation of the Command of the Ground Force, the Rocket Force and Strategic Support Force," said Liu.

"They completed the readjustment of each force's general headquarters and created two command levels, as well as the Central Military Commission and the military theater zones," Liu added.

"China's development is a peaceful development. China's Armed Forces form an important part of the world's peacekeeping forces. Whatever our level of development today or in the future, the defensive nature of China's national defense policy will always remain the same," said Liu.

China "supports and actively takes part in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Until now, China has dispatched more than 31,000 soldiers to 24 peacekeeping missions and trained more than 700 foreign military troops for the same purpose," Liu said.

Regarding ties between Buenos Aires and Beijing, Liu said "the relationship in the area of defense is an important part of the bilateral ties," and involves "reciprocal visits, exchanges of professional delegations, and military courses and seminars."

"I firmly believe that thanks to the collaboration of my Argentine colleagues, cooperation and exchange between Argentina and China in the field of defense will bear more fruit," said Liu.

China's ambassador to Argentina Yang Wanming, officials and representatives of Argentina's Armed Forces and security agencies, and military attaches from other embassies attended the ceremony.