The Chinese embassy held a reception to mark the 87th anniversary of founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Friday evening.
Hosted by the Chinese Military Attaché Major General Qi Huajun, the reception was attended by senior military officers including Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Rashid Mahmood and navel chief Muhammad Asif Sandila.
Speaking as a chief guest, General Rashid said Pakistan’s military and strategic partnership with China has always stood the test of the time. He said the partnership is contributing to peace and stability in the region.
Surprisingly, no government minister could make it to the event, which was also attended by the US and British envoys. The only high-profile civilian presence was Mushahid Hussain Syed who heads Senate’s standing committee on defence.
Qi Huajun said that the PLA has developed itself as a modern force playing its role for regional and international peace.
Huajun, who got his promotion as major general while serving in Pakistan, said China gives immense importance to its diplomatic and military relations with Pakistan.
The PLA is a people’s army created and led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), and the principal body of China’s armed forces. The PLA is made up of both active and reserve components. Its total force is around 2,500,000, largest among the militaries of the world.
Established on August 1, 1927 as the Chinese Workers and Peasants Red Army, the modern PLA consists of four professional service branches: navy, air force, The Second Artillery Force and the PLA’s Reserve Force.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 3rd, 2014.
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