China's Ministry of Defense has commemorated the 88^th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) with a reception on Friday. Defense Minister Chang Wanquan, who hosted the event, pledged to continue to strengthen the military and uphold the rule of law.

"In the past 88 years, under the guidance of the CPC's [Communist Party of China] innovative theories, the PLA has constantly strengthened its revolutionization, modernization and regularization and performed immortal feats in the pursuit of national independence, liberation and prosperity," Chang said.

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In his speech, Chang outlined steps to further develop China's military forces. He also called for support for the CPC's Central Committee in the face of new challenges.

China's 88^th Army Day comes only a few days after former PLA commander Gen. Guo Boxiong was expelled from the Communist Party for corruption. The 73-year-old retiree is just one of several top military officials who have come under investigation in President Xi Jinping's widely applauded anti-corruption campaign.

Last year, Xu Caihou, the former vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission, was discharged from the Communist Party after investigators found evidence linking him to corruption. Xu died of bladder cancers in March before he could stand trial.

Chang vowed to continue to run the army "with strict discipline and in accordance with the rule of law."

"We will carry forward our glorious traditions and styles, and keep up the morale, spirit and revolutionary nature of the people's armed forces," he said.

During a visit to Changchun, Jilian Province in July, President Xi called on the military to uphold the "glorious traditions" of the Red Army. He also said that the influence of corrupt officials in high positions - such as Xu Caihou - must be erased.

China is embroiled in territorial disputes with several neighboring countries and experts say a strong army is a key component to the country's bargaining power. Over the past few years, China has significantly increased spending to modernize the country's military forces. But experts warn that corruption could jeopardize these efforts and undermine the troop's combat readiness.

Chang emphasized that China wants peace with other nations. However, he said the country "is not afraid of war."

"We will unswervingly follow the national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and pursue a security concept featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security," he said. "China's armed forces will continue to deepen exchange and cooperation with militaries of other nations, take on more international responsibilities and obligations, and make even greater contribution to global peace and common development."

China has strongly criticized Japan's latest security bills that permit the country's forces to engage in combat abroad to protect the interest of its allies.

Chang explained that the upcoming commemoration of the 70^th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese Peoples' War against Japanese Aggression reaffirms China's commitment to peace. He also called for the unification of mainland and Taiwan as well as peaceful development of bilateral ties.

TagsPeoples' Liberation Army (PLA) 88th Anniversary, Gen. Guo Boxiong, China Army Day