Colombo, July 21, 2026 — The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka hosted a reception to commemorate the 99th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), bringing together senior Sri Lankan political leaders, government officials, military commanders, diplomats, and distinguished guests.
Delivering the keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Qi Zhenhong highlighted the achievements of the People’s Liberation Army over the past 99 years and reaffirmed China’s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, promoting global peace, and strengthening international cooperation.
The Ambassador noted that 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, and the opening year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, describing these milestones as significant moments in China’s development.
Full Speech by H.E. Ambassador Qi Zhenhong
Reception Celebrating the 99th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Liberation Army
21 July 2026
Speech by H.E. Ambassador Qi Zhenhong
Good evening! Ayubowan! Vanakkam!
On the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, I would like to pay my highest respects to the glorious PLA and express my heartfelt gratitude to all friends who have cared for and supported China’s national defense and military modernization.
This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, and the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Looking back on China’s remarkable achievements, the most fundamental guarantee is the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China.
Entering the new era, under the guidance of President Xi Jinping’s thought on strengthening the military, the PLA continues to upgrade military equipment, optimize troop structure, and enhance its overall combat capabilities to safeguard national security and contribute to global peace.
The global landscape is undergoing profound changes. Hegemonism and power politics continue to prevail, and the international community faces the danger of a return to “the law of the jungle.” China stands ready to work with all nations to firmly uphold the United Nations-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, while steadfastly practicing true multilateralism.
China pursues external relations based on the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party, and remains an important force for upholding international fairness and justice.
The Chinese military has actively participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations, international counter-terrorism cooperation, and counter-piracy escort missions, providing increasing international public goods and demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of a major country. The stronger China grows, the more peaceful the world becomes; the more China develops, the more prosperous the world gets.
The military-to-military relations between China and Sri Lanka are battle-tested. In recent years, defence cooperation has continued to deepen in many areas, including defence consultations, personnel training, equipment, and technical exchanges.
Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, China provided the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence with emergency supplies valued at RMB 10 million. As always, China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to strengthen strategic mutual trust and continue supporting each other.
Building on past achievements, we will strive for even greater success. My colleagues and I will continue making greater contributions to the enduring friendship between China and Sri Lanka.
