Defence minister Tea Banh (centre left) and Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian celebrate the 96th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on July 31. TEA BANH VIA FB
The Royal Cambodian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have expressed their commitment to continue deepening their relationship and developing it to another level, in order to strengthen the unbreakable “ironclad” friendship between the two nations.
The pledge came as the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh celebrated the 96th anniversary of the founding of the PLA on July 31. The Chinese delegation was led by ambassador Wang Wentian, while the Kingdom’s delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Banh.
Distinguished guests included Ith Sarath, deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF); Suos Yara, head of the National Assembly’s Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Propaganda and Information; Meach Sophana, secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior; and Phnom Penh governor Khuong Sreng. Also in attendance were diplomatic officers and military attaches of several countries, and representatives of more than 400 Chinese companies, according to the embassy.
Tang Hao, military attache of the embassy, delivered an address recalling the historical journey and achievements of the PLA, including the national independence, the people’s liberation and the building of a prosperous nation.
“The PLA was born of the people, serving the people, living for the people and fighting for the people. Having been strengthened under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the military has defended national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pushed for the implementation of global development and security initiatives,” he said.
“Under the strategic guidance of their leaders, the two countries have helped each other through an unprecedented change of circumstances and the Covid-19 pandemic. These events have strongly promoted the building of a common destiny community between China and Cambodia in the new era,” he added.
On behalf of China, he warmly congratulated Cambodia on the successful holding of the 7th National Assembly election and offered his appreciation for the outstanding role of the RCAF in protecting national sovereignty, security and social stability.
“China and Cambodia have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, cooperation and overall success in organising military cooperation, and will make constant progress,” he said.
He noted that since the beginning of the year, China’s military aid projects to Cambodia have been steadily advancing, with all practical cooperation that was suspended due to Covid-19 now resumed, including joint exercises by the two armies and anthropological exchange training.
“The PLA is pleased to continue to work with the RCAF to make new contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world,” he said.
Phat Vibol Sopheak, deputy head of the General Department of Politics and Foreign Affairs at the Cambodian defence ministry, offered his congratulations to China for its achievements in defence and military modernisation.
He also offered his support for the Chinese military’s efforts to defend their national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chinese government, people and military for providing long-term assistance to Cambodia, especially for the modernisation of the RCAF.
“Cambodia is glad to continue to actively cooperate with China, deepen the relationship between the two armies and develop it to another level, while strengthening the unbreakable ironclad friendship between the two countries,” he said at the event.
