Text and photos: Juan David Latorre
Last Friday, the Chinese Embassy commemorated the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, with the presence of Ambassador Yao Jing and a large representation of Defense Attachés from various diplomatic missions.
First, a short video about the Chinese military was shown, followed by the Defense Attaché of the Chinese delegation, Senior Colonel Huang Damin, who welcomed the Commissioner General of Citizen Security of the General Directorate of the National Police, Juan Carlos Castro Estévez, and the Advisor to the Secretary General of the National Police, Brigadier General Borino García Diego.
After greeting the authorities present at the reception and describing the reason for holding the event as “a date of profound historical significance for China,” Huang Damin recalled that “on August 1, 1927, the Nanchang Uprising marked the birth of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), opening a new chapter in the struggle for independence, freedom, and national development. For 98 years, the PLA has defended the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and contributed to the establishment and development of the People’s Republic of China. China values peace, and under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the PLA steadfastly safeguards international peace and stability, actively participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief around the world.”
Regarding relations between China and Spain, the senior colonel noted that “they have a long history of exchange and cooperation, based on mutual respect and benefit, dating back to ancient times. As early as China’s Han Dynasty, the Silk Road served as a vital bridge connecting East and West. Chinese traders crossed the vast mountain deserts bringing soup, tea, and porcelain to their home countries, including Spain. While spices and exotic goods flowed to China, fostering mutual understanding and prosperity, the maritime explorations of the Ming Dynasty, led by the Chinese navigator Zheng He in Asia, and the Age of Discovery initiated by Guolong in Europe, ushered in the first globalization in the 15th and 16th centuries.”
“This ancient interaction,” Huang Damin continued, “laid a solid foundation of mutual respect and friendship, demonstrating that, despite geographical distance and cultural differences, China and Spain have long maintained a spirit of cooperation and mutual learning. Today, China and Spain maintain an active and productive cooperation.”
“In the military sphere, we have maintained fruitful exchanges in areas such as paramilitary forces, between the Spanish Guard and the Chinese Armed Police, military education, and strategic planning, among others. This cooperation not only deepens bilateral understanding but also contributes to regional stability and global security. Spain, as an important member of the international community, has always played a constructive role in international affairs, and we greatly value its commitment to multilateralism, globalization, and peaceful coexistence,” the senior colonel noted.
Colonel Huang Damin concluded his speech by recalling that, “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, and today we value peace even more. But peace is not the absence of war, but a virtue born of strength and unity. China hopes to work with Spain, as well as other peace-loving countries, to boost cooperation between armed forces, including expanding exchanges at all levels, strengthening practical cooperation in areas of common interest, and promoting dialogue on security issues. There is a Spanish saying: ‘Strength lies in unity.’ Thus, together, we can contribute more to safeguarding regional peace, promoting global development, and building a community with a shared future.”
