On the evening of July 31, the Chinese Embassy in Latvia held a reception to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The reception was hosted by Senior Colonel Zhang Yuanqiu, Military, Naval and Air Attaché.

Mr. Hu Yeshun, Ambassador of China to Latvia, Brigader General Juris Zeibarts, Acting Chief of Staff of Headquarters of Latvian National Armed Forces, General Guntars Markitans, Acting Chief of State Police, Latvian MOD and NAF officials and representatives from the local press, academia and business, Defense Attaches accredited to Latvia, staffs of the Embassy and the representatives of overseas Chinese community in Latvia together with over 70 guests were present at the reception.

In his remarks, Sr. Col. Zhang looked back on the PLA's 85 years of growth under the firm leadership of the Communist Party of China, and briefed the audiences the outstanding contributions the PLA has made in achieving the national independence and people's liberation, safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity as well as advancing China's economic and social development. Zhang also talked about the progress achieved by the PLA in modernization compaign in the new historical era and its active participation in international peace-keeping, joint escort operation and HADR operations in recent years. China will unswervingly stick to the path of peaceful development and pursue a national defense policy which is defensive in nature, Zhang stressed. He expressed the willingness of the PLA to deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation with the armed forces of other countries and to contribute to lasting peace and common prosperity of the world.

A video on the development of PLA was played . Pictures showing the achievements in the modernization process of PLA were displayed at the reception . Books, picture album , audio and video products about the building achievement to PLA were given out.