The 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was commemorated in Baku with an official event that began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and China.
China’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei addressed the gathering, noting that this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
“Since its establishment in 1927, the PLA has been dedicated to safeguarding China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and development. It has also made significant contributions to global stability as a proponent of peace, actively participating in UN peacekeeping missions, international humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and counter-piracy operations. These efforts have earned the PLA recognition as a vanguard of peace, justice, and civilization,” she stated.
Lu Mei emphasized China’s commitment to peaceful development, a defensive national defense policy, and resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation - principles rooted in its socialist ideology, independent foreign policy, and cultural values of harmony. She also highlighted President Xi Jinping’s initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, all of which aim to build a shared future for humanity through lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity. The Global Security Initiative, in particular, has garnered widespread international support for its focus on comprehensive and sustainable security.
The ambassador noted that China will hold a commemorative ceremony and military parade on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in the anti-Japanese and anti-fascist wars, during which President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote address. “Eighty years ago, the PLA played a decisive role in China’s victory, contributing to the global triumph over fascism,” she added.
Addressing current global challenges, Lu Mei stressed the importance of learning from history, opposing hegemonism and power politics, and working together to build a peaceful and secure future. She also noted the upcoming 80th anniversary of the United Nations, reaffirming China’s commitment to upholding the UN-centered international system and the principles of the UN Charter to prevent future conflicts.
Touching on Azerbaijan-China relations, Lu Mei described the two countries as close friends and reliable partners. “Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Azerbaijani-Chinese relations have developed in a healthy and stable manner over the past 33 years, fostering fruitful cooperation in various fields and delivering tangible benefits to both peoples.”
She noted that the two countries’ leaders signed the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s third state visit to China this April. “This marked a new milestone in China-Azerbaijan relations. China stands ready to work with Azerbaijan to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration and implement the important agreements reached by our heads of state for the welfare of both countries’ peoples,” the ambassador said.
China’s Military Attaché in Azerbaijan, Colonel Sun Jun, also spoke at the event, highlighting the growing military cooperation between the two countries. “Azerbaijan and China have strengthened military ties through high-level exchanges, military-technical cooperation, and personnel training, which have enhanced professionalism and deepened mutual trust. Under the leadership of Presidents Xi Jinping and Ilham Aliyev, collaboration between our armed forces will become even more effective through dialogue, strategic consultations, and practical cooperation - serving the interests of both nations and benefiting our peoples,” he concluded.
