On August 1st, the Chinese Embassy in Finland held a reception to mark the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Ambassador Wang Tongqing, Brigadier General Tero Ylitalo, Chief of Planning of Finnish Defence Forces, Mr Jari Liukku, Chief of Helsinki Police Department and other guests from the Finnish military and government as well as foreign military attachés, representatives of overseas Chinese, Chinese enterprises and students, altogether more than 150 people were present.

The defence attaché, Senior Colonel Sui Ning said in his opening remarks that facing the current global landscape featuring turmoil and changes, China is committed to maintaining common security of all countries and building a community with a shared future for mankind, ready to join hands with all countries in implementing the Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. China adheres to peaceful development, and pursues a national defence policy that is defensive in nature. China stands on the side of peace by upholding fairness and justice, promoting political settlement through dialogues. PLA looks forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation with all militaries including the Finnish Defence Forces, contributing to the common security and sustaining peace of the whole world.

The guests warmly congratulated the 97th anniversary of the founding of PLA, and spoke highly of China's invaluable contributions to maintaining regional and world peace.