Forty two naval vessels that participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) multinational naval exercise conduct drills near Hawaii, July 25, 2014. [Photo: Xinhua]
By Sanath Nanayakkare-July 29, 2014
'China understands that never before has it been so closely bound up with the rest of the world as it is today, and China's security and development are closely connected with the peace and prosperity of the world as a whole, Senior Colonel Li Chenglin said at the Hilton, Colombo, Monday, celebrating the 87th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa too was present at the event.
"This is the first time for our embassy to hold the Armed Forces Day reception in Sri Lanka. I would like to take this opportunity to briefly introduce China's defence policies and Armed Forces", he said.
"China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbours. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957, the two countries have enjoyed growing political mutual trust, remarkable achievements in exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, tourism, culture, education, military etc., and close consultation and collaboration in regional and international affairs."
"The defence cooperation plays an important role in the bilateral relations between China and Sri Lanka. In recent years, the bilateral military relations developed steadily in the fields of high level military delegation visits, the exchanges of personnel, ship visits and replenishment, the military training courses and other aspects. I firmly believe that with the joint efforts from both sides, we will promote the bilateral military relations to a higher level and make more brilliant achievements."
"China's national defense policy in the new century basically includes: upholding national security and unity, ensuring the interests of national development; achieving the all-round, coordinated and sustainable development of China's national defense and armed forces; enhancing the performance of the armed forces with shared information as the major self-defensive strategy; and fostering a security environment conducive to China's peaceful development."
"China's armed forces have always been a staunch force upholding world peace and regional stability, and will continue to increase cooperation and mutual trust with the armed forces of other countries, participate in regional and international security affairs and play an active role in the following international political and security fields:
--participating in UN peacekeeping operations in 23 UN peacekeeping missions;
--taking part in 36 international disaster relief and humanitarian aid missions;
--safeguarding the security of international sea lanes of communication in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia;
--holding 28 joint exercises and 40 joint training sessions with 31 countries in accordance with relevant agreements", he explained.
