President Hu hails PLA´s historic contributions to mark its anniversary

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C Front) and other Chinese leaders attend the grand rally marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, August 1, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

With 22 years of arduous struggle spanning the Agrarian Revolutionary War, the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation, the PLA defeated enemies from both within and outside the country and created fundamental conditions for the founding of a New China, Hu said.

After that, it has closely guarded China's long border and vast territorial sea, successfully performed its defense responsibilities in Hong Kong and Macao, and effectively destroyed various separatist schemes and sabotage that threaten the national security and unity, he said.

It has also provided strong support to the country's economic and social development by helping build key engineering projects that are vital to the national economy and people's welfare and assisting local governments in dealing with emergencies and combating natural disasters, he said.

"Our people's army has also made important contribution in safeguarding world peace through extensive exchanges with their foreign counterparts, active participation in UN peacekeeping missions and international disaster relief operations and enhanced international counter-terrorism cooperation," he added.

The rally was presided over by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Editor:Du Xiaodan