The Chinese army marked its 80th birthday with a high-profile
reception on Tuesday at which Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said the army will have zero
tolerance of "Taiwan independence".
"We will absolutely not allow Taiwan to secede from China under
any pretext or in any manner," Cao said.
The eight top Chinese leaders, Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Wu
Guanzheng, Li Changchun and Luo Gan attended the reception in the
Great Hall of the People.
Hundreds of officers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)
attended the reception wearing the army's new uniforms as did
foreign envoys and military attaches.
The New Uniform Is Set to Enter Official Service on Aug. 1.
Cao Gangchuan, also state councilor and vice-chairman of the
Central Military Commission, said PLA officers and soldiers would
carry on the tradition of following the CPC leadership, serving the
people and doing their duty with courage.
Cao said Hu Jintao, chairman of the Central Military Commission
and China's president, had put forward basic guidelines for the
military to develop in a sound and rapid way.
He called for all PLA officers and enlisted ranks unite around
the CPC leadership to push forward national defense and military
development.
"We will continue to make the utmost effort with the highest
sincerity in promoting peaceful development of relations across the
Taiwan Strait and strive for the prospect of peaceful
reunification," Cao said.
The Chinese army was willing to strengthen exchanges and
cooperation with military forces of other countries on the basis of
mutual respect, equal consultation, mutual benefit and cooperation.
He said the Chinese army was willing to contribute to maintaining
world peace.
The reception was also attended by personnel from all military
units, central and local government officials and representatives
from all sections of society.
(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2007)
