Ambassador: PLA has the resolve and capability to deal with all kinds of threats and challenges

China's ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang stressed that the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) will stay committed to safeguarding regional stability and promoting world peace and is ready to deal with all kinds of threats and challenges.

Zheng called the PLA, founded and led by the Communist Party of China, a force of the people, a force of valor, and a force for peace.

"The PLA has for 94 years fought courageously for the people, winning glorious victories one after another," he said on Saturday, one day before the 94th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China, or PLA, which falls on Aug 1.

In times of peace, wherever help is needed, the PLA will be there, the ambassador said.

From patrolling the border to fighting terrorism and maintaining stability, from disaster response to pandemic control and prevention, it is always "a pillar of the nation and a core of strength".

The PLA has also been an active partner in international peacekeeping operations, maritime escort missions, humanitarian relief and global cooperation.

China "is always a builder of world peace, contributor to global development and defender of the international order", said ambassador Zheng. "It (the PLA) is determined to make new and greater contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind."

Having participated in 29 United Nations peacekeeping operations and sent a total of over 50,000 peacekeepers, China has become the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the permanent members of the Security Council.

By June this year, more than 2,400 Chinese peacekeepers were on duty across the globe, while China has also set up a standby force of 8,000 troops and a police squad of 300 for UN peacekeeping missions.

More importantly, the PLA is steadfastly safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests under the guidance of Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military, Zheng said.

"It is demonstrating a determination, confidence and capability to deal with all kinds of threats and challenges. It is providing a solid strategic support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

Zheng also pointed out that military-to-military ties have always been an important component in China-UK relations, which he believes have come to "an important historic juncture".

"It is our hope our two militaries could strengthen dialogue and communication,and increase exchanges and mutual trust", he said.