On 26 July, the Chinese Embassy in the UK held a reception to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China. H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang delivered a speech at the event. The full text of the speech is as follows:

Mr Nick Gurr,

Your Excellencies,

Defence Attachés,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. First of all, a warm welcome to the Chinese Embassy. It is a real delight to have you all with us tonight to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The PLA is the people’s military founded and led by the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is a military of special political significance.

Starting from scratch 96 years ago, it has grown from strength to strength and kept forging ahead with valiance and fortitude, winning one victory after another. It has accomplished indelible feats in liberating the people, advancing the socialist cause, and safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests of China. It has also made great contributions to world peace and tranquility.

Following the strategic guidelines set out at the 20th CPC National Congress, the PLA is committed to the Chinese path to building a strong military and striving to achieve the goals for its centenary. It is breaking new ground in modernising national defence and armed forces to turn itself into a world-class military that is more capable of serving the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Taiwan is an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. The Taiwan question is China’s domestic affair, and no foreign force has the right to interfere. We are firmly against any move that aims to upgrade substantive relations with Taiwan. The one-China principle is a red line that must not be crossed.

At the moment, the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait comes from the obdurate separatist activities of “Taiwan independence” elements and the connivance and support of certain external forces.

We will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and efforts, but we resolutely oppose any separatist move towards “Taiwan independence” and any foreign interference. Seeking “Taiwan independence” will get nowhere. No one should underestimate the great resolve, firm will and strong capability of the Chinese people in defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Chinese military, carrying forward the genes of peace in the Chinese culture, has been dedicated to serving the country's strategy of peaceful development, and followed a national defence policy that is defensive in nature.

China has sent more peacekeepers to UN missions than any other permanent members of the Security Council. The Chinese military has actively participated in escort missions in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, and international disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

We have demonstrated through concrete actions that China's national defence and military development do not target, threaten or challenge any country.

Now the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, and the international community is facing multiple crises rarely seen in history. The ultimate way out is to uphold true multilateralism and build a human community with a shared future.

China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. We stand ready to work with all parties to earnestly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Together, we can inject more certainty and positive energy into the world, and make greater contributions to maintaining world peace and stability, and promoting common development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Chinese government has always attached great importance to China-UK relations. It is hoped that our two sides will work together to promote the sound and steady development of bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Military-to-military relationship is an important part of the overall China-UK relations. Not long ago, the Chinese and British militaries held the defence strategy consultation. This consultation, which focused on the bilateral defence relations as well as international & regional security issues of common interest, has increased mutual understanding.

It is hoped that both sides will continue to deepen strategic communication, and carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, and by doing so, provide a positive impetus for the development of China-UK relations.

With that, may I invite you all to join me in a toast,

to the 96th anniversary of the founding of the PLA,

to the sound and steady development of China-UK relations,

to world peace and prosperity,

and to the good health of you all.

Cheers!