As China’s Lunar New Year is approaching, the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) held the 2010 Spring Festival reception in Beijing on the evening of January 22. More than 250 foreign military attaches from 80-plus countries were present at the event together with their spouses upon invitation.

　　Liang Guanglie, member of the Central Military Commission (CMC), state councilor and defense minister, CMC members Chen Bingde, Li Jinai, Liao Xilong, Chang Wanquan, Jing Zhiyuan and Xu Qiliang, leaders of four general headquarters/departments of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and major organizations of the PLA stationed in Beijing as well as their spouses were present at the reception. The members of the Chinese medical and anti-epidemic rescue team consisting of PLA medical workers who are going to Haiti to provide international humanitarian aids for quake victims there also attended the event as specially-invited representatives.

　　Qian Lihua, director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Ministry of National Defense of the PRC, addressed the reception on behalf of Liang Guanglie. Qian Lihua briefly reviewed the achievements of the national defense and modernization drive of the PLA obtained in 2009, introduced the efforts made by the Chinese military in carrying out high-level contacts, professional exchanges, joint exercises and joint trainings, regional security cooperation, international peacekeeping and naval escort operation with militaries of other countries.

　　He also gave full affirmation on the work done by the foreign military attaches and extended thanks to them.

　　Qian Lihua expressed that the Chinese military will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development and cooperation in the new year, develop all-round military ties and deepen the pragmatic cooperation with foreign militaries and make new contributions to maintaining the lasting peace of the world and promoting the common development.

　　The PLA theatre troupes performed wonderful entertainment programs for the Chinese and foreign guests attending the event.

　　By Zhou Feng