PLA vows continued support for national prosperity in new year ceremonies

Officers and soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) held ceremonies on Thursday to celebrate the New Year, expressing their aspirations for China's prosperity and reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and territory.

Onboard China's aircraft carrier Fujian, all its crew members lined up to form the shape of "2026" and the Chinese characters meaning "taking the lead" as they extended New Year greetings to the nation and the Chinese people, their unified voices resounding across the ship.

"With our feet upon the vast blue seas, our hearts remain tied to our magnificent land. The lights along our maritime borders never fade, as we watch over peace through wind and wave. We will honor our mission, live up to the nation's trust, set sail with our dreams, and brave the rolling tides. All crew of the Fujian wish our great motherland prosperity and the Chinese people a joyful New Year!" the crew members cried out in unison.

Also on Thursday, on the snow-covered plateau at an altitude of over 4,500 meters, troops from an army brigade under the PLA 76th Group Army held a special flag-raising ceremony, greeting the arrival of 2026.

Against the highland dawn, a bright five-starred red flag was raised steadily by two drones as officers and soldiers stood solemnly at attention, offering dignified salutes to the national flag.

This ceremony conveyed the troops' heartfelt wishes for the motherland and demonstrated their steadfast resolve to defend the nation's land with loyalty and unwavering dedication.

PLA vows continued support for national prosperity in new year ceremonies

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday reiterated his call for the United States and Israel to stop the war against Iran, and for Iran to stop attacking its neighbors.

Noting that the impacts of the conflict are being felt everywhere, Guterres warned that the world is on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe.

The secretary-general said that "the Middle East crisis has lurched into its second month", and warned that the scale of devastation, indiscriminate attacks, and targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure are all growing.

"My message is clear. To the United States and Israel, it is high time to stop the war that is inflicting immense human suffering and already triggering devastating economic consequences. To Iran, to stop attacking their neighbors. The Security Council has condemned these attacks and reaffirmed the need to respect navigational rights and freedoms along critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Conflicts do not end on their own. They end when leaders choose dialog over destruction. That choice still exists, and it must be made now," he said.

Guterres said diplomatic efforts are underway to find a peaceful path forward, which "deserve the space and support to succeed -- anchored firmly in international law, including the UN Charter".

UN chief renews call for U.S., Israel to stop war against Iran