'Stronger China Grows, More Peaceful World Will Be' : Ambassador

COLOMBO (News 1st); "The stronger China grows, the more peaceful the world will become. The more China develops, the more prosperous the world gets."

With those words, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong stressed on Beijing's vision of its global role as he addressed a gathering in Colombo marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), while also using the occasion to bid an emotional farewell ahead of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission in Sri Lanka.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, Ambassador Qi paid tribute to the PLA and expressed appreciation to those who have supported China's national defence and military modernization efforts.

The Ambassador noted that this year marks several significant milestones for China, including 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 country's 15th Five-Year Plan.

Reflecting on China's development, Qi credited the country's achievements to the leadership of the Communist Party of China and highlighted the modernization of the PLA under the guidance of President Xi Jinping's military vision.

"Looking back on China's remarkable achievements, the most fundamental guarantee is the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China," he said.

He noted that the PLA has continued to upgrade military equipment, optimize troop structures and enhance combat capabilities in order to safeguard national security and contribute to global peace amid what he described as profound changes in the international landscape.

Warning of increasing geopolitical tensions and the continued prevalence of hegemonism and power politics, the Ambassador said China remains committed to upholding the United Nations-centered international system, international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

"China stands ready to work with all nations to firmly uphold the UN-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," he said.

Qi emphasized that China continues to pursue a foreign policy based on non-alignment, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, while remaining committed to multilateral cooperation and international fairness.

Highlighting the role of the Chinese military beyond its national borders, the Ambassador said the PLA has actively participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations, international counterterrorism cooperation and anti-piracy missions, contributing to global security and stability.

Against that backdrop, he said recent developments had demonstrated that China's growth benefits not only its own people but also the international community.

Addressing relations with Sri Lanka, Qi said military-to-military ties between the two countries have continued to deepen in recent years through defence consultations, personnel training programmes, equipment cooperation and technical exchanges.

"As always, China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to build strategic trust and continue to firmly support each other. Building on past achievements, we will strive for even greater success," he said.

The event also carried personal significance for Qi, who used the opportunity to deliver a farewell message as his tenure in Sri Lanka draws to a close.

"My wife and I are quite moved. I would like to take this opportunity to bid farewell to you all," he told the audience.

Qi recalled arriving in Sri Lanka in October 2020 as a representative of the Chinese people and said he had cherished every moment spent in what he described as a beautiful and friendly country.

"Although my mission here is drawing to a close, my affection for Sri Lankan people and my dear friends will never fade," he said.

Expressing optimism about Sri Lanka's future, the Ambassador wished the country continued prosperity, stable development and progress in all sectors, while voicing confidence that the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka would continue to flourish in the years ahead.