Ashgabat Celebrates the 99th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army
Ashgabat, July 29 | ORIENT. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan held a gala reception at the Yildiz Hotel in Ashgabat to mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin and senior diplomatic staff greeted the event's guests—diplomats, military attachés, and representatives of international organizations.
Founded on August 1, 1927, during the Nanchang Uprising, the People's Liberation Army has evolved from small revolutionary detachments to one of the most powerful, high-tech, and numerous armies in the world. Today, the PLA comprises ground forces, naval and air forces, missile forces, and strategic support forces.
Over the 99 years of its existence, the Chinese military has undergone a massive transformation: from the era of anti-Japanese resistance and sovereignty defense in the 20th century to profound digital and technological modernization in the 21st century. The modern PLA is not only a "steel wall" guaranteeing the inviolability of China's borders but also a vital participant in UN peacekeeping missions, international anti-piracy operations, and humanitarian relief missions in the aftermath of natural disasters.
The main speaker at the reception from the Chinese side was Huang Lei, Military Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan. In his address to those present, he elaborated on the historical role of the PLA and its current development priorities:
"Over the past 99 years, under the absolute leadership of the CPC, the PLA, without sparing its life and selflessly serving the people, has made an indelible contribution to the cause of national independence, the people's liberation, and the country's prosperity. Today, the Chinese army remains a pillar of defense in protecting national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Our people and their armed forces resolutely oppose any form of separatist activity aimed at so-called 'Taiwan independence' and reject any interference by external forces in our internal affairs."
The attaché emphasized that relations between the defense ministries of China and Turkmenistan are steadily deepening. Beijing stands ready to faithfully implement the agreements reached by the two heads of state, strengthen strategic cooperation, and contribute to the formation of a Chinese-Turkmen community with a shared future and global security, working with its Ashgabat partners.
On behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the State Security Council, and the personnel of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, Deputy Minister of Defense Colonel Begmurat Soltanov conveyed sincere congratulations to his Chinese colleagues.
He emphasized that the Armed Forces of any state serve as a key guarantee for maintaining peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and that their fundamental pillars are spirituality and high combat potential.
"Thanks to the efforts of our heads of state, Turkmen-Chinese relations, which are long-term and strategic, serve as an important factor in maintaining stability and prosperity both in the region and globally," stated Begmurat Soltanov. "When it comes to cooperation between the defense ministries of our two countries, the most priority areas are military-technical cooperation and military education."
A representative of Turkmenistan's Defense Ministry emphasized the high practical impact of the bilateral partnership. In recent years, the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan and major corporations in China's defense industry have concluded and are successfully implementing a number of important contracts. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to further expand this productive cooperation.
The gala evening in Ashgabat confirmed that the partnership and trusting ties between Turkmenistan and China are based on a solid foundation of mutual respect, historical memory, and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
