On 23 July, the Chinese Embassy in the UK hosted a reception to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang delivered an address. The full text of the address is as follows:
Ms Amy Senior,
Your Excellencies,
Defence Attachés,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you. I also take this opportunity to thank you for your long-standing support in promoting China-UK relations and relations between China and the countries you represent.
Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the PLA has travelled an extraordinary path since its founding 99 years ago. It has made indelible contributions to the independence of the nation, the liberation of the people, and the security and development of the country. It has played an important role in maintaining world peace and stability.
In the new era and on its new journey, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, the PLA is striving to build a world-class military. It has the confidence and capability to provide even greater strategic support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and to contribute more positive energy to peace and stability in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This year also marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. In his speech at a rally celebrating this anniversary on 1 July, General Secretary Xi Jinping reviewed how the Party united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups on a glorious journey over the past 105 years, and envisaged the bright prospects of the undertakings of the Party and the people. He identified the outstanding qualities and key factors that have enabled the CPC’s continued success, and called on the Party and the nation to make continued efforts towards new historic achievements. We in China have full confidence in writing a new chapter in the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability and realising national rejuvenation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In today’s world, unilateralism and hegemonism are on the rise, regional conflicts linger on, and transformation and turbulence are intertwined. Facing these challenges, China is firmly committed to upholding the shared values of humanity, i.e. peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. We will continue to champion the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and uphold the international system with the UN at its centre. China stands ready to work with all countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
In this day and age, no technology is bringing about such unprecedented opportunities and challenges as artificial intelligence. At the opening of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, President Xi Jinping called on all countries to take a people-centred approach and develop AI for the positive and for good, to make sure that AI becomes an important driver of shared prosperity and common security, and build a just and equitable system for global AI governance. China believes that we should adhere to the principle of openness and win-win and boost innovation-driven development; strengthen risk awareness and ensure that AI is secure and controllable; encourage inclusiveness and promote mutual learning between civilisations; and advocate solidarity and improve global governance.
To further support global AI development and AI capacity building, China has announced that in the next five years, it will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programmes; develop international AI application cooperation centres with regional and international organisations; and enable 30 countries to use MAZU, the AI-powered meteorological warning system.
Ladies and gentlemen,
There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and the political foundation for the establishment and development of diplomatic relations between China and other countries. The Chinese people and their armed forces firmly oppose any form of separatist activities seeking “Taiwan independence” and firmly oppose interference in China’s internal affairs by external forces under any pretext.
Ladies and gentlemen,
China and the UK are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global economies. The importance of China-UK relations goes beyond our borders. Thanks to joint efforts from both sides, there has been positive momentum in high-level engagements and practical cooperation since the beginning of this year. We have every reason to work together to sustain this momentum.
A few days ago, Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Andy Burnham on his appointment. Earlier today in Manila, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a productive meeting with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. In the weeks and months ahead, both sides should keep to the direction of building a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, deepen dialogues and engagements, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen communication and collaboration on regional and international issues. We should join hands to bring greater benefits to the peoples of China and the UK and beyond.
We look forward to our two militaries enhancing dialogue and exchanges and contributing to the steady development of China-UK relations.
With that, may I invite you all to join me in a toast,
to the 99th anniversary of the founding of the PLA,
to world peace and prosperity, and
to the good health of you all.
Cheers!
