China's Ministry of National Defense held a grand reception in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sunday to mark the 78th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1, 1927.

Addressing the reception, Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said the PLA has, over the past year, earnestly implemented the "Three Represents" concept and has made progress in revolutionizing and modernizing itself.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the PLA would steadfastly adhere to the fundamental principle that it is under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, at its helm.

Cao said that this is a key period of construction and socialist modernization for China. He called for all the officers and soldiers to actively promote military reform whilst retaining the PLA's Chinese characteristics, enhance crisis management and maintaining peace and stability, and safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Cao said that this year marks the 60th anniversary of victory of the world anti-fascist war and the War Against Japanese Aggression. The victory of the Chinese people fully demonstrates their patriotism and heroism.

Although peace and development are the main priority, China must always be well prepared to counter challenges, Cao said. The international situation is complex, prone to change and unstable, Cao added.

On the Taiwan issue, Cao said, maintaining peace and stability across the straits and realize China's reunification cause is a common aspiration of all the Chinese people.

Also attending the reception were leading officials of the CPC, various government and military departments, war veterans, representatives of the Beijing militia, and military attachés of foreign embassies in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2005)