The 90th anniversary of Chinese defence force People’s Liberation of Army (PLA) was observed on Monday amid a ceremony in the Capital. Newly appointed Defence Minister Bhimsen Das Pradhan, former defence ministers, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) and senior government officials were present in the event organised to mark the day.

Addressing he function CoAS Rejendra Chhetri lauded the support Chinese government and the PLA had extended in modernizing and strengthening Nepal Army. He said that the hardware support and training provided by the Chinese side has helped the Army to function more effectively. “We don’t tolerate any activities against one China policy in our territory,” he said adding the NA and PLA are friends for all season and share historic bonding.

Stating that the joint drill conducted by the defence force from two countries was a step ahead in strengthening the boding, he claimed that such drill will continue and broaden in the future. The first ever Nepal-China joint military drill ‘Sagarmatha Friendship-2017’ was held at Nepal Army’s Para Training School Maharajgunj in April.

Also speaking in the event Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong said that China flows the path of peaceful development and PLA is always defensive in nature. She also claimed the long-going partnership between PLA and NA has further strengthened with the visit of Chinese Defence Minister in Nepal. Chinese Defence Minister and State Councilor General Chang Wanquan visited Nepal in March and assured different military support to the NA.

Addressing the celebration programme Military attaché in Chinese Embassy Nepal Liu Xiaoguang said the PLA has made outstanding achievement in last 90 years and is capable of defeating its enemies. He said the military to military collaboration between two countries will continue to increase in the days to come.