Chinese Embassy Hosts Grand Celebration for 98th Anniversary of PLA in Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka – August 1, 2025 — The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka marked the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with a celebratory reception in Colombo, attended by diplomats, military officials, and invited guests from across Sri Lanka.
Delivering the keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Qi Zhenhong paid tribute to the servicemen and women of the PLA and expressed appreciation to those who support China’s defense and military modernization.
“The PLA has marched from millet and rifles to aircraft carriers and fighter jets, growing into a modern force that strides confidently toward becoming a world-class military,” Ambassador Qi said.
He highlighted the transformative military reforms under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, noting the PLA’s enhanced capabilities in multi-dimensional warfare, open-sea naval operations, aerospace integration, and rocket force deterrence. Ambassador Qi stated that these advancements provide strong support for China’s national rejuvenation.
Referring to the international context, the Ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to global peace and multilateral cooperation. “The PLA is a force for peace,” he said, emphasizing China’s military diplomacy, including peacekeeping missions and anti-piracy operations.
The Ambassador also underscored the strong ties between the Chinese and Sri Lankan militaries, highlighting recent cooperation including the visit of China’s hospital ship Peace Ark, which provided free medical services to thousands of Sri Lankans. He pointed to ongoing collaboration in maritime security, training, and defense exchange as pillars of bilateral trust.
Looking to the future, Ambassador Qi invoked historical ties dating back to monk Faxian and Admiral Zheng He, calling for continued efforts to strengthen the friendship between the two nations.
The reception concluded with a toast to the enduring partnership between China and Sri Lanka, their shared role in regional security, and the well-being of all attendees.
The event was part of global commemorations ahead of a major military parade scheduled to take place in Beijing on September 3, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
