China embassy celebrates PLA anniversary

China will “never seek hegemony or expansion” regardless of how strong it becomes, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said Friday, as Beijing continued to defend its military modernization as purely defensive despite its sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

Speaking during the Chinese Embassy’s reception marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at a hotel in Taguig City, Jing said China’s military development is intended to safeguard peace rather than expand its territory.

Reading his speech in Mandarin, Jing delivered his remarks while an English translation was simultaneously projected on a large screen on the stage for guests.

“China remains committed to an independent foreign policy of peace, follows the path of peaceful development, and consistently pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. No matter how developed China becomes, it will never seek hegemony or expansion,” Jing said.

Jing described the PLA as a “force committed to global peace and security.”

“China’s armed forces have always been a staunch force for world peace and an important provider of public good for international security,” he said.

The Chinese envoy stressed that China and the Philippines are neighbors “that cannot be moved apart,” saying history has shown that peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation serve the interests of both countries.

He also acknowledged that bilateral ties are at an “important juncture,” where the two countries share broad common interests but also face differences and challenges.

“History and reality have repeatedly shown that dialogue is better than confrontation, cooperation is better than conflict, and mutual trust is better than miscalculation,” Jing said.

He adds that China and the Philippines have resumed several rounds of political dialogue this year and cited the recent meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on the sidelines of the East Asia Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.

According to Jing, both sides agreed to seek proper solutions to maritime issues through dialogue and work toward improving bilateral relations. However, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to respond to Jing’s latest remarks.

Also speaking during the reception was Chinese Embassy Defense Attaché Senior Captain Yang Lei, who likewise said China would never seek hegemony.

The event was attended by PLA officers, Chinese defense officials and military personnel in uniform, along with members of the diplomatic community and invited guests. No Philippine government officials were seen in attendance.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, based on its so-called nine-dash line.

In 2016, an arbitral tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ruled that China’s expansive maritime claims have no legal basis under international law, a ruling Beijing continues to reject. Last week, Jing reiterated that China would never recognize the 2016 Arbitral Award. — BAP, GMA News