China's Embassy in Türkiye commemorates 96th Army Day

By Faruk Zorlu

The Chinese Embassy in Türkiye hosted a reception in the capital Ankara to mark the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, also known as Army Day.

Addressing the event, Senior Col. Li Guangya, defense attache at the Chinese mission in Türkiye, highlighted the significance of the PLA's founding and its role in safeguarding China's peace and sovereignty.

He also underlined China's commitment to maintaining security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and opposed turning it into a battleground for geopolitical competition.

China actively engages in overseas missions and peacekeeping, supports developing nations to combat poverty, and responds to global climate change while upholding the international system centered on the UN and international laws, Li said.

Speaking of China-Türkiye relations, he expressed readiness to enhance cooperation and exchange of ideas to address security risks and contribute to world peace.

"Our relations, which began in 1971, were elevated to the level of strategic cooperation as of 2010. We desire to further develop our cooperation with China based on mutual trust and within a framework of mutual benefits," said Turkish Maj. Gen. Gultekin Yarali, who was present on the occasion.

Yarali emphasized that the ongoing high-level military dialogue between Türkiye and China provides an opportunity to institutionalize and advance bilateral defense collaboration.

The reception was attended by diplomats, officials, and dignitaries from both Türkiye and China, including Liu Shaobin, China's ambassador to Ankara.

The PLA was established on Aug. 1, 1927, and has since grown to become one of the world's largest military forces.