China's PLA Reaffirms Commitment to Safeguarding Global Peace and Stability
As the world grapples with the complexities of maintaining global peace and stability, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding peace as a core responsibility. The phrase "保卫和平是人民军队之责," translated as "Safeguarding peace is the responsibility of the people's army," has become a guiding principle for the PLA's mission and China's foreign policy.
3 August 2025
At the heart of this concept is the Chinese government's emphasis on the importance of a strong military in maintaining national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. Chinese President Xi Jinping has been vocal about the PLA's role in protecting peace, stating that "Anxiang peace is the blessing of the people, and safeguarding peace is the responsibility of the people's army." As the commander-in-chief, Xi sets the strategic direction for the PLA, which has become an active force in maintaining global peace and stability through international peacekeeping efforts.
The PLA's participation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations has been a key aspect of its mission to safeguard peace. Chinese peacekeeping officers and soldiers have been deployed to various parts of the world, where they have played a crucial role in protecting civilians and contributing to global peace. The PLA's commitment to peacekeeping is aligned with China's firm support for the UN-centered international system and its key role in global peace and security affairs.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) has been instrumental in guiding the PLA's mission and emphasizing the importance of peace. The Party has consistently promoted a narrative of peaceful development and a defensive military posture, which is reflected in the phrase "保卫和平是人民军队之责." This narrative is also echoed in China's foreign policy of non-hegemonic behavior and non-expansion.
In recent years, China's military modernization efforts have been driven by the imperative to safeguard peace. The PLA has made significant advancements in its military capabilities, including the development of advanced weaponry and technology. However, this modernization is not seen as a threat to regional or global peace, but rather as a necessary step to ensure the country's national security and sovereignty.
The impact of the PLA's commitment to safeguarding peace extends beyond the military realm. It has significant implications for China's society and economy. The PLA's role in maintaining internal stability and assisting in disaster relief efforts has contributed to a sense of security and public trust in the military. Moreover, the PLA's emphasis on peace has inspired a sense of national unity and patriotism among the Chinese people.
In the context of current geopolitical dynamics, China's commitment to safeguarding peace has taken on added significance. Recent discussions and official statements have reiterated the importance of this principle, particularly in the face of external threats to peace. China's military readiness is framed as a defense against these threats, rather than an aggressive posture.
As the world continues to navigate the complexities of maintaining global peace and stability, China's PLA remains committed to its mission of safeguarding peace. Through its participation in UN peacekeeping operations, military modernization efforts, and emphasis on national unity and patriotism, the PLA is playing a crucial role in promoting a peaceful and stable world. As President Xi Jinping has emphasized, "Enjoying peace is a blessing for the people, and safeguarding peace is the responsibility of the people's army."
