Qatar
China sees Gulf security as fundamental for stability, peaceful development
The Chinese embassy in Doha marked yesterday (July 22) the 99th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, stressing the deeply rooted, strong and friendly Qatar-China relations.
The celebration was attended by the Chinese ambassador Cao Xiaolin and Senior Colonel Yang Yongzhi, defence attache of the embassy, alongside Major General Mohamed Rashid al-Shahwani, head of the International Military Co-operation Authority, representing HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs; and HE the Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces, Brigadier General Rajah Mohamed al-Nabit, president of Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, and other senior diplomats and heads of different diplomatic missions in Doha.
Addressing the gathering, Senior Colonel Yongzhi stressed that "China and Qatar are both steadfast advocates of peaceful development and firm believers in openness and co-operation, as in recent years, our two armed forces have maintained productive co-operation in high-level exchanges, military-to-military engagement, professional education, personnel training, and defence industry collaboration, further strengthening our strategic mutual trust.”
He pointed out that: "This year alone, Qatar sent officers to participate in the Second Shanghai Co-operation Organisation Junior-and-Middle-Level Officers’ Exchange. Several leading Chinese defence companies took part in Dimdex. Military officers from both countries have continued to pursue studies at each other’s military academies. These exchanges vividly reflect the growing friendship and practical co-operation between our armed forces.”
He expressed confidence that, "as the China-Qatar Strategic Partnership continues to deepen, our co-operation in defence and security will enjoy even broader prospects.”
Senior Colonel Yongzhi said: "China’s vision of peace and security, the path of development pursued by the Chinese military, and China’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in both the Gulf region and the wider world.”
He explained that: "The mission of a military is not to wage war, but to prevent it. Over the past year, the Gulf region has experienced one of the most complex security situations in recent years.
"The spillover effects of regional conflicts, disruptions to maritime shipping, adjustments to international flight routes, and sharp fluctuations in energy prices have all underscored the immense value of peace and security.”
He stressed that: "Genuine peace can only be achieved through dialogue, consultation, and shared development.”
He also confirmed that "China remains firmly committed to the path of peaceful development. China consistently pursues a defensive national defence policy and remains steadfast in its commitment never to seek hegemony, expansion, or spheres of influence.”
Accordingly, he talked about the humanitarian missions undertaken by the Chinese Army and Navy over the years in co-operation with the United Nations, in addition to the various peacekeeping tasks to maintain peace, stability and security in various hot spots around the world.
"In United Nations peacekeeping operations, China is the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget. Over the past three decades, China has deployed more than 50,000 peacekeepers to over 20 UN peacekeeping missions.
"Seventeen Chinese peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace. Since the end of 2008, the Chinese Navy has maintained an uninterrupted escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia,” Senior Colonel Yongzhi said.
He added: "More than 40 escort task forces have provided escort services for over 7,000 Chinese and foreign commercial vessels. For the Gulf region, whose prosperity depends heavily on maritime trade and energy transportation, the security of these vital sea lanes is of particular importance.
"As we celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, we cherish the value of peace more deeply than ever before,” he said, stressing the key and fundamental importance of maintaining peace and security in the Gulf region