China's embassy in the United Kingdom held a reception in London on Thursday to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, or PLA, which falls on Aug 1.

Zheng Zeguang, China's ambassador to the UK, said as he addressed around 200 guests, including officials from the UK government?and Parliament, diplomats, and defense attaches, that the PLA had fought heroically for the liberation and freedom of the Chinese people and for the security and development of the country, and that it had made indelible contributions to world peace and stability.

"China is ready to work with all countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and build a community with a shared future for mankind," said Zheng. "It is hoped that the militaries of the two countries will increase dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, avoid misjudgment, and always be a stabilizing factor in the overall China-UK relationship."

Mick Smeath, the UK's air vice-marshal, who attended the reception, echoed that the military relationship is an important part of the China-UK overall relationship, and that the UK and China will enhance defense dialogue and communication, and work together to promote regional and global peace and stability.

Major General Feng Min, a defense attache at China's embassy in the UK, said China has sent more than 50,000 personnel on nearly 30 United Nations peacekeeping missions since 1990, and that China's hospital ship, Peace Ark, has offered free medical treatment to more than 250,000 people across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

A photo exhibition of the PLA's peacekeeping and humanitarian relief operations was displayed in the embassy during the reception.