Starting from left, Defense Attache of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal;Senior Colonel Lyu Guozheng, Prabhu Ram Sharma;Nepalese Army Chief, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal;His Excellency Chen Song along Mrs. Chen stand high as a respect to national anthem of two nations during the event in Hotel Radisson on Sunday evening. (Photo:Bishal Shrestha, SATV)
SATV, Kathmandu, July 22: Chinese embassy in Nepal organised a grand reception on 21st July to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of August 1st. Army Day is a great celebration in China as it signifies the founding of PLA in 1927. This 97 year long glorious occasion of PLA was celebrated in Raddission hotel, Kathmandu.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal His Excellency Chen Song, Chief of the Nepalese Army Prabhuram Sharma, Home Secretary Ek Narayan Arayal, Inspector general of Nepalese Army, Defense Wing of Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, the Chief of the National Investigation Department, future Chief of Army Staff Ashok Sigdel along with strategic experts, representatives from various sectors and distinguished personalities graced the occasion with their significant presence.
Prabhu Ram Sharma, Nepalese Army Chief disseminates that Panchsheel, the UN Charter, International Law, traditional values and regulations along with "Amity with all and enmity with none" has been a guiding principle of Nepal’s foreign policy. He elucidated, “the unwavering commitment to the principles of peaceful co-existence, sovereign equality and understanding each other’s aspirations, along with security and cultural sensitivity forms the core foundation through which Nepal endeavors to strengthen existing bilateral relationships and anticipates future growth.”
Satisfied with Nepal-China military relations MR. Sharma shares, “I am pleased to inform that Nepal and China have enjoyed excellent relations. Our multifaceted and resolute bonds have grown over time. The armies of both nations have been exceptional. This exclusive relationship between our two militaries remains a cornerstone of our bilateral ties.”
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, His Excellency Chen Song in his speech at the program highlighted that the development of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) over the past 97 years has transformed the Chinese military into a modern armed force dedicated to national security and unity.
He elaborated, “The PLA's evolution over the past 97 years has transformed the Chinese military into a modern armed force dedicated to national security and unity. China has also practiced the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence for world peace and stability which also serve as the foundation of China's foreign policy. China has never provoked war or sought to seize foreign territory. China remains committed to military strategies aimed at maintaining world peace and prosperity in the new era.”
The Defense Attache of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Senior Colonel Lyu Guozheng, delivered a speech reviewing the illustrious history of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) over the past 96 years. He emphasized that the PLA, guided by the thoughts of Chairman Mao Zedong, aims to strengthen the military under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China. He also expressed China's significant contribution to global peacekeeping efforts. He expressed his desire to deepen the friendship and cooperative sentiments with the Nepali Army.
A documentary entitled PLA Today was presented in the event in the respect and honour of the day. It shared the visuals of modernization achievements of the Chinese army and its active contribution to world peace.
For a long time, the Chinese military has actively participated in international peacekeeping, marine security, disaster relief, humanitarian rescue and other initiatives. During natural disasters like the devastating earthquake of 2072 BS or the earthquake in Jajarkot in 2080 BS, the Chinese military has consistently supported Nepal and Nepalese by providing relief, making unforgettable contributions and support for human rescue. China's sentiment of friendship towards Nepal, cooperative spirit and comprehensive development policy is greatly appreciated by all Nepalese.
Essence of Army Day
The day known as ''Army Day'', ''PLA Day'', or ''Armed Forces Day'' in English also has a variety of titles in Chinese meaning ''The Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army'' and ''August 1st Army Day''. These are all just different names for a day devoted to remembering China's fallen and honoring the country's current service men and women.
Army Day was born as a result of a massacre of communists (in April 12th, 1927) by the ruling government and a subsequent uprising, both of which were formative events in the early history of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Twenty-two years later, the PLA was victorious in expelling Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces from mainland China, giving Mao Zedong the power to proclaim the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
China values it by providing a day holiday at this date. Officers and soldiers throughout China celebrate the event with a great joy.
Some other glimpses of the event are: