Collaboration between Chinese PLA and Mongolian Armed Forces
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Celebrates 97th Anniversary and its Contributions to World Peace
On August 1 of this year, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army marked its 97th anniversary. In the span of 97 years, the People’s Army has transformed from a small and weak force to a large and strong military entity, always upholding the banner of the Party and making invaluable contributions to the Chinese people’s progress in standing up, becoming prosperous, and growing stronger. Particularly since the 18th CPC National Congress, guided by Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Army, the People’s Army has embarked on a journey of strengthening and revitalizing the military, innovating and evolving in battle, inheriting traditions, and progressing through reform. It is now marching towards the grand ambition of building a world-class army in a comprehensive manner. China has consistently opposed zero-sum games and Cold War ideologies, advocating for a new security concept based on common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. The modernized Chinese military serves as a solid pillar for defending national sovereignty, upholding national dignity, promoting regional and global peace, development, and contributing to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.
1. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Adheres to a Defensive National Defense Policy
With a history of over 5,000 years, the Chinese nation has embraced the cultural tradition of valuing harmony above all. In modern times, like many in the third world, the Chinese people have suffered under foreign invasion and war, appreciating the brutality of conflict and the preciousness of peace. In the 75 years since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese military has stuck to a defensive national defense policy, never initiating warfare, refraining from occupying foreign lands, and undergoing 10 significant disarmament processes that reduced troop numbers from 6.27 million to 2 million. China has signed numerous international arms control and anti-proliferation treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The country’s defense expenditure-to-GDP ratio has consistently been below the world average of 2.6%, staying under 2% annually for 30 years. China’s development from poverty to becoming the second-largest economy globally did not rely on military expansion or colonial conquests. The principle of shunning hegemony, expansion, and spheres of influence defines China’s defense policy in the modern era, maintaining a focus on peaceful development and rejecting the path of dominance and aggression.
II. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Plays a Major Role in Upholding International Responsibilities
The Chinese military plays an active role in promoting global peace and stability, supporting the philosophy of a shared future for mankind, championing win-win cooperation, fulfilling international obligations, and contributing public security goods to the global community.
(I) Engaging in International Peacekeeping Efforts: China ranks as the second-largest contributor to the United Nations and the largest troop contributor among the permanent UN Security Council members. Chinese forces have participated in 25 UN peacekeeping missions, deploying nearly 50,000 troops for peacekeeping operations that have significantly enhanced global peace and stability.
(II) Safeguarding International Maritime Routes: Aligned with the concept of a shared future for mankind, Chinese naval fleets have conducted escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters per UN Security Council resolutions. To date, China has dispatched 46 escort fleets, overseeing the escort of over 7,290 Chinese and foreign vessels, rescuing and escorting numerous ships, turning previously treacherous waters into safe maritime channels.
(III) Providing Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid: The Chinese military actively engages in international disaster relief, dispatching specialized units to disaster-stricken nations for disaster management and delivering relief supplies and medical assistance. The Chinese Navy’s “Peace Ark” hospital ship has served for over a decade, treating over 250,000 patients across visited countries and aiding in the birth of 11 “peace babies.” Additionally, China has provided humanitarian aid to countries like Pakistan and responded swiftly to natural disasters, such as the Tonga volcanic eruption, by sending emergency supplies and assisting in post-disaster recovery efforts.
(IV) Collaborating in Global Epidemic Control: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese military has provided medical supplies, masks, ventilators, and vaccines to armed forces in over 60 nations. Medical expert teams have been dispatched to countries like Cambodia and Pakistan, bolstering the global fight against the pandemic. China remains committed to international cooperation, fulfilling its responsibilities in accordance with its global status, and contributing to building a shared future for mankind through promoting peace and unity worldwide.
III. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Vigorously Defends National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
China’s vast land area and extensive borders make safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights arduous tasks, especially given the multifaceted maritime security environment and the complex nature of Chinese borders. As the world’s most populous nation and with its lengthy land and maritime boundaries, China bears the responsibility of protecting its territorial integrity and advancing maritime interests, including promoting the reunification of territories.
IV. The Importance of Strengthening Military Cooperation between China and Mongolia
China and Mongolia share 4,710 kilometers of border and a longstanding history of friendship and cultural exchange. Both nations aspire to improve the lives of their citizens, anchoring the steady development of bilateral relations and enhancing collaboration in various domains. Recent years have seen close military ties between China and Mongolia, bolstering a deep strategic partnership and contributing to regional security and stability. China and Mongolia’s commitment to building a shared future aligns with President Xi Jinping’s vision, aiming to elevate bilateral relations, support Mongolia’s economic development, benefit both populations, and uphold global peace and security.
Embracing the historic momentum and pursuing the right path towards long-term objectives, China stands ready to join hands with Mongolia and other peace-loving nations worldwide, including the Mongolian Armed Forces and partners dedicated to global tranquility. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army remains committed to fostering strong military cooperation, implementing President Xi Jinping’s global security initiatives, and championing a shared future for mankind. Together, nations can pave the way for lasting peace and security, passing down the torch of peace for generations to come and resounding the bells of peace across the globe.
By Bao Yuhai, Defense Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia.
