On August 3^rd, 2016, a reception in commemoration of the 89^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberty Amy (PLA) and bidding farewell to the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) officers who are leaving for China to attend training programs was held in the Embassy of the P. R. China in Lesotho. Dignitaries who attended the event included Honorable Ts'eliso Mokhosi, the Minister of Defense and National Security, Honorable Tlohang Sekhamane, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lt. General Tlali Kamoli, Commander of the LDF, H. E. Dr. Sun Xianghua, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho, Counsellor Zhang Changwei and Counsellor Ma Guoliang of the Embassy, among other representatives from the LDF and the Media.

Ambassador Sun indicated in his speech that the first of August marked the 89^th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese PLA, who played a pivotal role in achieving China's national liberation and independence, and safeguarding China's sovereignty, safety and territorial integrity. China Pursues a defense policy which is defensive in nature. The development of China's defense forces is compatible with the needs of maintaining national sovereignty, safty, and integrity of its territory and maritime rights. Meanwhile, China has also become a major contributor to international peace and stability. China has sent over 30,000 peacekeeper to hot-spot areas, mainly in Africa, making China the biggest contributor of peacekeepers among the permanent members of the Security Council of the UN. The peacekeepers from PLA initiated an emergency assistance operations which provided valuable medical services when the Ebola epidemic went rampant in some western African countries. Even in last two months alone, 3 Chinese Peacekeepers lost their lives in action in Mali and South Sudan.

Ambassador Sun also said that the LDF had always played an important role in maintaining the sovereignty, security, peace and stability of the Kingdom. It also dedicated itself in fighting crimes and providing emergency assistance to its people. Ambassador Sun Highlighted that relations between the armed forces of China and Lesotho had enjoyed admirable development in recent years. China has worked very hard to assist the LDF's capacity-building efforts. The two sides have carried out various cooperation activities, including in-depth personnel exchanges and training programs. This year, 17 LDF officers will follow the footsteps of their predecessors and go to China for training.

Honorable Mokhosi, Honorable Sekhamane and Lt. General Kamoli gave their remarks respectively. They warmly congratulated the Chinese PLA for its 89^th Anniversary, and extended their admiration to the PLA for all its contributions on protecting the sovereignty and security of China and maintaining peace and stability all around world, especially in Africa. During this 89 years, the PLA has become one of the most competent army in the world, playing a significant role in the UN peacekeeping, Aiding Africa among other international operations.

They also extended, on behalf of the Government of Lesotho and the LDF, appreciation to the Chinese Government for practical cooperation and support in all walks of live including military personnel trainings, regarding China as a true friend who sincerely support the development of Africa. Last year His Excellency President Xi Jinping announced a 60 billion USD fund for the development of Africa,from which the Africa has already begun to reap benefits. They also reiterated that the Government of Lesotho committed itself to the One China Policy and the friendship with China. There are 17 LDF officers going to China for training. They are expected to obtain professional skills during their study and make contributions to the development and reforms of the LDF when they come back home.

After the remarks, a video "Chinese PLA today" and a film record of the Military Parade on the Celebration Ceremony of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression & the World Anti-Fascist War were screened.