On the evening of July 27, 2011, Chinese Embassy in India held the reception marking the 84th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi. Ambassador Zhang Yan and Deputy Military, Naval and Air Attaché Luo Shuang hosted the reception.

Dr. M. M. Pallam Raju, Minister of State for Defence, Lt Gen DS Chauhan, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and Director General of Defence Intelligence Agency and more than 300 guests from Indian governments, militaries, press, diplomatic corps and representatives of overseas Chinese, Chinese corporations, Chinese press and Chinese students in India attended the reception. Indian Navy Band played Chinese and Indian national anthems, military and world famous songs.

Ambassador Zhang Yan delivered a speech at the reception. The full text is as follows:

(27 July 2011, New Delhi)

Distinguished guests, Excellencies, friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tonight, we are gathered here to mark the 84th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army. I would like to extend warm welcome to all of you.

Since its founding, the People's Liberation Army has played an important role in the modern history of China. Under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, the PLA fought heroically against foreign invaders and for national liberation. After the founding of new China, the PLA has become the mainstay in safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, and engaging actively in national development. In 84-year development, the PLA has grown into a modernized armed force, dedicated to national security and unity, as well as to world peace and stability.

While bearing in mind its main responsibility, the PLA is also actively engaged in building socialism with Chinese characteristics and serves the people whole heartedly. It has participated in key national development projects, in poverty alleviation and disaster relief. It has made invaluable contribution to the success of Beijing Olympic Games and other major events, and in fighting floods, earthquake rescue and post disaster reconstruction. Many of them scarified their lives. It is truly a people's army.

The PLA is also playing an increasing role in maintaining world peace and security by actively participating in the UN peacekeeping operations. China has contributed the largest number of peacekeeping forces among five permanent members of Security Council of UN. The Chinese peacekeeping forces have earned praise from the United Nations and the government and people of host nations for their courage, perseverance, professionalism and discipline. At the same time, the PLA is actively fostering exchanges and cooperation with armed forces of other countries. Now China has established military relationship with 150 countries, carrying out joint military exercises, port visits and personnel exchanges. Growing interactions between China and foreign countries in the military field greatly enhanced the mutual trust and cooperation between China and relevant countries.

Recent years have witnessed fast growing cooperation between China and India armies which has become an important part of our bilateral relations. Two countries have established annul defense security dialogue mechanism. Three rounds of consultations have been conducted so far. We are looking forward to have another one this year. Two countries also successfully held two joint anti-terrorism training exercises. And most recently, a delegation of Indian Army has paid a successful visit to China. All these interactions made positive contributions to mutual trust and further cooperation in the military field.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China is committed to peace, development and cooperation, pursues a road of peaceful development and endeavors to build, together with other countries, a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity. The PLA will strictly follow this line and make its new contribution.

Finally I would like to propose a toast to the friendship of China and India.

To the friendly cooperation of China and India armed forces.

Thanks.