PLA Daily 2005-08-22

　　Liang Guanglie, member of the Central Military Commission and chief of general staff of the PLA, met with the Chinese and Russian WWII veterans' representatives invited to view the China-Russia military exercise codenamed "Peace Mission 2005". Liang pointed out during the meeting that the WWII veterans of the two countries are the witnesses of the history of the friendly cooperation between the two countries and their two militaries. They are the priceless assets of the two countries and two militaries. The fine traditions and spiritual wealth bequeathed by the veterans will inspire the officers and men of the two militaries to strengthen their unity and cooperation, to jointly deal with new challenges and new threats, and to make still new and greater contributions to deepening the Sino-Russia strategic partnership, maintaining the regional and world peace, and promoting the common development. 　　

　　Liang further pointed out that the first China-Russia military exercise held under the new historical conditions is of great significance and has far-reaching impact. It is the symbol of the Sino-Russia friendly cooperation as well as the symbol of the Sino-Russia military cooperation. It is also a symbol of the common efforts being made by the two countries to safeguard regional and world peace and security. It has special significance to hold such joint military training activities at the historical moment of the 60th anniversary of the victory of the world's anti-fascist war. To invite veterans to view the first China-Russia joint military exercise has not only enriched the connotation of the exercise, and embellished cooperative atmosphere, but also shown the firm confidence of the two militaries to learn from their predecessors, carry forward fine traditions and safeguard the world peace.

　　By Qian Xiaohu