The development of the Chinese military is always a growing force for world peace, and since the Chinese military began participating in UN peacekeeping operations, it has deployed 50,000 peacekeepers and participated in 26 UN peacekeeping operations over the past 36 years, Senator Col. Fu Xiao said.
She made this statement while addressing a ceremony held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
The event was presided over by H.E. Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and was attended by many distinguished guests including ministers, senior officers of the tri-services, ambassadors and diplomatic officials.
Further commenting, Col. Fu Xiao also said:

Tonight we gather here to celebrate the 99^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China. Thank you all for attending this event. Over the past two months or so, I have greatly enjoyed in candid and cordial exchanges with senior officials and military officers from the Ministry of Defense of Sri Lanka. And I feel genuine sense of warmth from everyone I met. China-Sri Lanka friendship has been a long-standing history. Next year we will celebrate the 70^th anniversary of our diplomatic ties. The bond between two militaries is forged through fighting. I will devote all my time and energy to promote a pragmatic and constructive collaboration between the two militaries.

President Xi Jinping emphasizes that a strong nation must have a strong military. China adheres to a defensive national defense policy and a military strategy of active defense. The development of the Chinese Military has always represented a growing force for world peace.

For 36 years since Chinese military began participating in UN peacekeeping operations, it has cumulatively dispatched 50,000 peacekeepers and taken part in 26 UN peacekeeping missions. Since 2008, the Chinese Navy has consecutively sent 48 escort task forces in the Gulf of Aden, completing more than 1,600 missions and rescuing more 80 vessels–over half of which were foreign ships. The China’s two Naval hospital ships “Peace Ark” and “Silk Road Ark”, have visited 56 countries and regions worldwide, providing medical services to over 400,000 people. Additionally, the Chinese military has joined more than 50 international humanitarian relief missions for tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters, consistently delivered global public goods and maintained peace and security across the world. 

In the eyes of our partners, China’s deeds matter more than words. In the era of global upheaval and uncertainty, let’s join hands with our action to strive for a peaceful and prosperous world.

Thank you!