The Chinese embassy in the U.S held an event Tuesday to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) which falls on August 1st.

Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang delivered a speech marking the anniversary.

Over the past 95 years, the PLA has contributed to the revolutionary cause of liberating the Chinese people and the founding of a New China.

The PLA safeguards the nation's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. 

At the same time, the PLA has also contributed to world peace.

“China is the second biggest financial contributor of UN peacekeeping budget and the largest troop contributor among Permanent Members of the UN Security Council. China has altogether dispatched almost 50,000 troops to 25 peacekeeping operations, and sent over 120 vessels in escort missions for more than 7,000 Chinese and foreign ships. 16 Chinese peacekeepers have laid down their lives while on duty in other countries,” Qin said in the speech.

Ambassador Qin stated China's position on Taiwan question to U.S. at the event. 

“The Taiwan question has always been the most important and sensitive core issue in China-US relations. The Chinese government values peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and has been making utmost efforts for peaceful reunification. However, the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and their activities pose the biggest threat to cross-Strait peace and stability. If anyone tries to separate Taiwan from China, if anyone wants to challenge China’s bottom line, Chinese military will take forceful measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. 

He hoped that China and the United States can work together to strengthen communication and promote cooperation in various fields.

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