China ready to share military building experience as PLA approaches centenary, says defense minister

This photo taken on Sept. 16, 2026 shows a scene at the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, capital of China. This year's forum, themed "Build Consensus on Stability, Advance Security Governance Together," features four plenary sessions and eight parallel sessions. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said on Wednesday that the Chinese military stands ready to share its experience in building the armed forces as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) approaches its 100th anniversary.

"As the Chinese military is about to mark its centenary, we are accelerating our modernization drive. We stand ready to share our experience and philosophy in building and governing the armed forces with all parties," Dong said at the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

Dong added that the Chinese military is also willing to provide assistance to countries in need to the best of its ability.

The PLA was founded in the Nanchang Uprising on Aug. 1, 1927, which marked the beginning of the Communist Party of China's independent leadership of the revolutionary war.

Dong said that the Chinese military is also willing to work with all parties to deliver more tangible outcomes, and achieve mutual success and secure a win-win future through practical cooperation.

In the face of sudden and frequent natural disasters, the Chinese military is willing to do its utmost and extend a helping hand where needed, Dong said.

"We will actively carry out joint disaster relief early warning, emergency response, humanitarian assistance, and public security cooperation, and support the development and security of all countries through concrete actions," said Dong.

This photo taken on Sept. 16, 2026 shows a scene at the opening ceremony of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, capital of China. This year's forum, themed "Build Consensus on Stability, Advance Security Governance Together," features four plenary sessions and eight parallel sessions. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)