On July 24, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the United States held a reception to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife, Minster Jing Quan, Minster Qiu Wenxing, Defense Attaché Major General Liu Zhan and more than 300 guests attended the event, including U.S. government and military officials, families of the Flying Tigers and WWII veterans, friends from various sectors, diplomats and military attachés of other countries, and representatives of overseas Chinese communities and Chinese institutions in the United States.

In his remarks, Ambassador Xie said that throughout all the conflicts in history, peace and stability are the unyielding pursuit of humanity. We need to draw lessons from history, and strengthen our commitment to maintaining peace. We need to defy challenges, and enhance our capability to defend peace. We need to stand in solidarity, and jointly follow the path of peaceful development. It is important to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, sustain the hard-won momentum in dialogue and cooperation, and steer clear of the various disturbances and disruptions. In particular, it is vital to deal with the Taiwan question with extra prudence, so as to prevent the fringe separatists bent on “Taiwan independence” from dragging China and the U.S. into the dangerous terrain of confrontation and even conflict. He called for joint efforts to bring China-U.S. relations back to the right track of stable, sound and sustainable development, and inject positive energy into world peace, stability and prosperity.

Major General Liu said in his remarks that we should draw lessons from history, cherish the victory and accomplishment of WWII, and prevent such wars from happening again. The PLA will do even more to uphold the post-WWII international order, maintain regional and global security and stability, and build a community with a shared future for humanity. The Chinese side will adhere to the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, to promote a stable, sound and sustainable mil-to-mil relationship.

The guests expressed warm congratulations on the achievements of the PLA on its 98th founding anniversary, and commended China’s significant historical contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The 101-year-old veteran of the Flying Tigers Captain Jack Goodrich delivered a video message, recalling affectionately the friendship forged between China and the U.S. in fighting shoulder to shoulder. A themed photo exhibition titled “Safeguarding Peace, Fighting Side by Side, Sharing Common Destiny” was also held at the reception.