The Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and Chinese embassies in various countries have held receptions to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

International officials extended warm congratulations and spoke highly of China's contributions to maintaining world peace.

"What impresses me the most is the PLA's enduring commitment to upholding peace and security," UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare said at a reception held in New York.

Brigadier General Yakhya Diop, chief of staff in the UN Office of Military Affairs, said the Chinese military is a highly professional and capable force. "We have already witnessed the contributions made by Chinese military personnel to UN peacekeeping operations."

At a reception held by the Chinese Embassy in Cuba, Victor Leonardo Rojo Ramos, chief of the Political Directorate of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, said the PLA, founded and shaped by the Communist Party of China, is an army that truly defends the people.

The Chinese Embassy in Serbia recently hosted a reception to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. Approximately 300 guests, including Deputy Speaker of Serbia's National Assembly Marina Ragus and Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic, attended the event. Guests spoke highly of the achievements made in the development of the Chinese military.

In addition, Chinese embassies in France, Austria, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Germany, Poland, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, South Africa, Algeria, Tanzania, Senegal, Angola, Zambia, Peru and Colombia have held receptions to celebrate the occasion.