Chinese embassies celebrate 97th founding anniversary of PLA

Chinese embassies across the world have held receptions and events to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), which falls on August 1.

The Chinese Embassy in the United States held a reception on July 25 to mark the day.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said at the reception that a world of peaceful development requires generally stable China-U.S. relations and expressed the hope that the U.S. side will work with China to promote the steady and positive development of bilateral relations.

Defense Attaché Liu Zhan said that the gradual resumption of the China-U.S. military-to-military exchanges aligns with the common interests of both sides and the general expectations of the international community.

On the same day, the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom held a reception, during which Chinese ambassador Zheng Zeguang emphasized that China has always valued the development of China-UK relations. Zheng expressed hope that the Chinese and British militaries will strengthen dialogue, engagement, and exchanges to avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, and consistently act as stabilizers for the bilateral relationship.

Air Vice-Marshal Mick Smeath from the British Strategic Command said on the occasion that the UK is willing to strengthen dialogue and exchanges with China in the defense sector, and jointly work to promote global and regional peace and stability.

The Chinese Embassy in Germany on July 24 held a reception to mark the day.

Defense Attaché Wu Junhui pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany. He noted that the relationship between the Chinese and German militaries has maintained a trend of steady development in recent years.

At the reception held on July 24 at the Chinese Embassy in Colombia, ambassador Zhu Jingyang said that China is advancing towards the grand goal of building a world-class military.

Meanwhile, at the reception held by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore on July 24, Defense Attaché Liu Xiaoguang said that the military-to-military relationship between the China and Singapore has entered the right track and is continually advancing, contributing to the ongoing development of friendship and mutual trust between the two countries and their people.

At the reception held by the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia on the same day, Defense Attaché Zhu Jie said that China values its deep friendship with Saudi Arabia and is willing to expand strategic cooperation in defense and security, striving to elevate the relationship between the two militaries to a higher level. Attendees also applauded the positive contributions made by the Chinese military in international peacekeeping, maritime escort missions, and humanitarian assistance.

On July 24, the Chinese Embassy in Zambia held a reception at which Zambia Air Force ZAF Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni conveyed warm congratulations on the Chinese Army Day on behalf of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.

Chinese Embassy in the Republic of the Congo on July 24 held a reception to mark the day. Defense Attaché Zhong Shijun said that said that the relationship between the Chinese and Congolese militaries continues to develop steadily. The two sides will further enhance military exchanges and cooperation to inject more positive energy into global peace and stability.

Charles Richard Mondjo, Defense Minister of the Republic of the Congo praised the contributions of the Chinese military to global peace.

Chinese embassies celebrate 97th founding anniversary of PLA

China Media Group's (CMG's) Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, which is set to air on Tuesday night to celebrate the moon-themed traditional festival, will stage a warm scene of family reunion and artistic interpretation of major events of the year from the perspective of ordinary people.

The annual gala, also known as "Qiuwan" in Chinese, will spotlight key topics of interest for audiences at home and abroad, including the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China, and significant milestones such as the Chang'e-6 space missions and the Paris Olympics.

The gala was recorded in Shenyang City of northeast China's Liaoning Province, a 2,300-year-old city boasting three world cultural heritage sites and over 1,500 historical and cultural sites. The city is also one of the most well-known industrial cities in China.

Many performances of the gala will incorporate local elements such as Shenyang Guan's Shadow Puppetry, Errenzhuan (a blend of storytelling, singing and dancing between two performers) and 13 landmarks including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, the Liaoning Provincial Museum, the China Industrial Museum, and the Old North Market, to present the audience Shenyang's history and cultural charm, according to Yang Qifang, general planner of the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.

"Many performances are on very serious topics, such as the return of People's Volunteer Army veterans and the rejuvenation of the old heavy industrial base. We will present them in a very tender way," Yang said, referring to return of remains of Chinese soldiers who fell in action in the 1950-1953 Korean War.

French pianist Richard Clayderman, Hungarian pianist Balazs Havasi and Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen will also join the grand event to share the warm and romantic moments with global audience.

In addition, full moon pictures collected through global social media will also be displayed at the gala, allowing the audience to appreciate the beauty of the moonlight from all over the world.

"The Chinese people have a deep devotion to circle. When the moon becomes a full circle, families reunite, symbolizing a perfect conclusion after a year of anticipation and waiting," Yang said.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions in China. It falls on Tuesday this year.

CMG's 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala to highlight family reunion, major events