On 20th July 2007 a reception was held at Chinese Embassy in Malta to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, whichi falls on August 1, 2007. Chinese Ambassador Mr. Chai Xi and his wife Mrs. Zhang Rufen, Mr. Wang Hansheng,the military attache of the Chinese Embassy in Italy, Mr. Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Mr. John Rizzo, the Commissioner of Police of Malta, Mr. Rupert C. Montanaro, former Commander of the AFM and other officials from the military and police together with their spouses attended the reception.

Ambassador's wife Mrs. Zhang Rufen(3rd to the left), Mr.&Mrs. Wang Hansheng(1st to the right),the military attache of the Chinese Embassy in Italy with Mr. & Mrs. Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta

Before the reception started, a short film about the military parade of PLA on the National Day was shown to the distinguished guests.

Ambassador  Chai delivering a short speech

In his speech Ambassador Chai said, "China has pledged to pursue a road of peaceful development and work with other nations to build a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious world. China pursues a national defense policy which is purely defensive in nature, providing the guarantee for maintaining China's security and unity, and realizing the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way. China is pursuing a self-defensive nuclear strategy. It remains firmly committed to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances. China will not engage in any arms race or pose a military threat to any other country. China also works to promote good-neighborliness, mutual benefit and win-win policies, and endeavors to advance international security cooperation and strengthen military relations with other countries. China has actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations and international disaster relief operations. By the end of 2005, China had reduced the PLA by 200,000 troops as announced in 2003, and the PLA currently has 2.3 million troops. At the new stage in the new century, we will take the scientific development outlook as an important guiding principle for the building of national defense and military affairs, vigorously advance the revolution in military affairs with Chinese features, and strive to realize an all-round, coordinated and sustainable development in our country's national defense and military capabilities."

The atmosphere of the reception was cordial and friendly. All the guests extended congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. They spoke highly of the military development of the PLA and its glorious course over the past 80 years. Best wishes for the continuous development of Sino-Maltese friendly relations and military cooperation.