Distinguished Guests,

Dear Friends,

Good evening!

This year marks the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. Thank you for joining us on this special occasion.

The PLA is forged by the Communist Party of China. It shaped the modern history of China and made indelible contribution to the foundation of P.R.C. Now it has been the unflinching strength for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development, as well as world peace and stability.

Just as remarks by Defense Attaché, Senior Colonel Li Yusheng, China pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. This is determined by the Chinese cultural tradition, which sees peace as paramount. It is also determined by China's independent foreign policy of peace, as well as the strategic choice to follow the path of peaceful development.

China is the world's second largest economy, the second largest trading partners of EU, and an important partner of Estonia. A sound and stable relationship serves our interest. To achieve this, we must have the objective and correct understanding with each other. Unfortunately I realize that the misguided perception about China, which views China as challenge, rival or even threat, is still very influential in western world. Could China really be challenge, rival or even threat?

The answer was given even 70 years ago when China together with India and Myanmar, advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which was also confirmed in the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Estonia are: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs,equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. These principles which conform with the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, have opened a new path for the establishment and development of relations between countries. When following the Five Principles, countries that differ from each other in ideology, history, culture, faith, development stage, and size can build a relationship of mutual trust, friendship and cooperation. It's pursing peaceful coexistence, not dominance, not hegemony, which lies in the Chinese philosophy. How could such a philosophy be a threat?

Distinguished Guests,

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have served as the prime principle for China to develop relationship with other countries. The vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind is the answer of China to the question of what kind of world we need to build. This answer carries forward the same spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China believes that all countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth, are equal members of international community. They have common interests, common rights and common responsibilities in international affairs. Therefore all countries should join hands to overcome challenges, achieve shared prosperity, build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity. This answer, which put the principle of sovereign equality and mutual respect at the center, shares the same philosophy of pursuing peaceful coexistence, not dominance, not hegemony. How could such a philosophy be a threat?

Distinguished Guests.

In order to achieve the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, numerous challenges need to be addressed and tremendous efforts need to be made. We have long way to go. However, we firmly believe that this vision is in the best interest of the whole international community, regardless east or west, north or south. The direction of our human civilization should not be to compete for the very rare seats at table, but put others on the menu.

Dear friends,

The best way for eliminating misunderstanding is communication. Only by strengthening exchange and communication with an open, inclusive attitude can we enhance mutual understanding. Let's make joint efforts to promote exchange and communication in various fields, to enhance our mutual understanding and friendship.

Thank you for your attention.

To the 97th anniversary of the PLA,

To the sound and stable development of China-Estonia relations,

And to world peace,

Cheers!