Monrovia - The People's Republic of China on Wednesday celebrated the 86th Anniversary of China's Armed Forces Day, known as Chinese People's Liberation Army Day.

As part of activities marking the anniversary occasion, the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia on the same day hosted a reception in the embassy's compound; bringing together a number of Liberian and foreign dignitaries.

Chinese Defense Attache to Liberia, Senior Colonel Zhao Xizhang speaking at the occasion said the celebrations signified rapid growth of Chinese military in keeping with the country's quest to build a strong military.

Colonel Zhao Xizhang said china's endeavors over the years to build a strong national defense and powerful armed forces was meant to satisfy the country's growing international development interests including peace and security.

"The basic duty of the armed forces is to fight wars and support the country's peaceful developments and prepare for war in times of peace", Xizhang said.

He said china will also safeguard against and resist aggression, contain separatist forces, border and air security interests as well as China's interests in outer space and in cyber space.

"We will not attack unless we are attacked; we will surely counterattack if attack. In keeping with this principle, china will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity", he said.

He noted that china's development was closely linked to the promotion of world's peace and prosperity, noting that china has been upholding world peace and regional stability.

"China has military contacts with more than 150 countries around the world and exchanges about 400 visits every year with foreign military delegations", Xizhang noted.

He noted that china was the world's biggest contributor to the United Nations peacekeeping operations with the dispatch of 22,000 peacekeepers.

Commenting on china's support to Liberia, Mr. Xizhang assured his government will continue to support the country as they have been doing in the areas of education, agriculture and heath.

"China's Ministry of National Defense has thus far provided nearly 10 million Dollars worth of military assistance and 171 training slots to the Armed Forces of Liberia while 30 other officers of the AFL will soon go to china for study," he noted.

He also assured china's preparedness to deploy 140 anti riot police officers to beef the strength of officers of the Liberia National Police in the wake of UNMIL gradual drawdown and in view of low number of LNP officers.

The Chinese Military attaché's statement was reaffirmed by a similar statement from the country's Charge d' Affairs, Mr. Yang Jun.

He outlined more other supports including the construction of Monrovia--Buchanan High Way, the new Heath Ministry in Congo Town the building of the Fendell science complex at the University of Liberia, among others.

Meanwhile, Liberia's Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai who graced the occasion, expressed appreciation the Chinese people for their supports to Liberia, asking the government to continue in the same direction.

Also present at the occasion were officials iof the UN Mission in Liberia, UNMIL representatives of the United States Embassy in Monrovia and several other Liberia government officials.