On 26 July, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Brunei, together with the visiting Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Task Force 83, cohosted a deck reception to grandly celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. Ambassador Chen Shaochun, together with diplomatic staff of the Embassy and representatives of the naval task force, was joined by around 400 attendees, including Pehin Dato Halbi bin Mohd Yussof, Coordinating Minister of National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II of Brunei, other military and government officials, friends from all walks of life, diplomatic corps accredited to Brunei, representatives of Chinesefunded enterprises, as well as overseas Chinese.

Defence Attaché of the Embassy Dai Qilin delivered a speech. He briefed the audience on the remarkable achievements of China’s military development and national progress, elaborated on China’s foreign and defence policies, and spoke highly of the progress in bilateral and militarytomilitary relations over the 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He underscored China’s readiness to deepen allround exchanges and cooperation with Brunei, advance the building of a ChinaBrunei community with a shared future, and make greater contributions to regional and global peace, stability, development and prosperity.The reception was filled with a festive and warm atmosphere. Guests engaged in cordial exchanges and interactions, and talked about ChinaBrunei friendship. Talent performances by officers and sailors of the task force drew repeated rounds of applause.