Development of China's defense capabilities peaceful, benefits world: ambassador

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai on Tuesday reaffirmed China's commitment to the path of peaceful development, saying that building defense capabilities commensurate with China's international standing benefits both China and the world.

Speaking at the reception celebrating the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) here, Cui said China continues to pursue a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, adding that while performing its duty to safeguard China's national security, the PLA has also shouldered more and more obligations in recent years by participating extensively in UN peacekeeping missions and international humanitarian operations.

Cui said that to date, China has sent more than 30,000 peacekeepers to 24 U.N. peacekeeping operations, more than any other member of the U.N. Security Council.

China has also dispatched 19 escort convoys to the Gulf of Aden in multinational efforts to protect international shipping lanes, Cui said.

When Ebola put millions of lives in danger last year, Cui said that the PLA medical teams heading to West Africa on relief missions provided supplies and medical assistance, and treated more than 1,000 patients.

The 88th anniversary of the PLA's founding also comes at a time when the world is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Cui said as a participant, builder and contributor to the current world order, China is working closely with other countries to promote greater equality and justice in the international arena.

During Tuesday's reception at the Chinese embassy, a photo exhibition on the China-U.S. cooperation during World War II was held to recall memories of the profound friendship between the two countries, forged during jointly fighting the fascists more than 70 years ago.

Cui said such cooperation has become more essential given world trends and the international situation in the 21st century.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States in September at the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama. Cui said Xi's upcoming visit will be a significant one, mapping out a blueprint for bilateral relations and consolidating a new type of relationship between major countries.