A reception was held on July 31 in Wellington by the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. About 300 people attended the reception, including Minister Counsellor Ye Su, Chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Senior Colonel Zhao Quan, the Chinese Defence Attaché, Brigadier Andrew Shaw, Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and Engagements of the New Zealand Defence Force, Ms. Kathleen Pearce, Head of International Branch of the Ministry of Defence, other representatives from the NZDF, MOD, Ministry of  Foreign Affairs and Trades, and members of  the Diplomatic Corps, Defence Attaché and Advisor Corps, Friendship Groups, Chinese institutions in New Zealand and other overseas Chinese. 

In his speech, Senior Colonel Zhao Quan reviewed the glorious history of the CPLA and its remarkable achievements in the new era, explained the Chinese National defence policy and conception of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, outlined the CPLA's outstanding contribution to safeguarding world peace and stability, and emphasized the willingness of the CPLA to continue working together with the NZDF for promoting peace and development.

Brigadier Andrew Shaw spoke highly of  the significance of the China-New Zealand relationship, acknowledged the CPLA’s role in maintaining world peace and stability, reviewed the recent bilateral defence engagement and cooperation, and expressed the need for further dialogues and engagement between China and New Zealand military forces.

Videos titled "PLA: Peace Loving Army" and "We're Always Here Awaiting Orders" were shown at the reception. Photos titled "Safeguarding Peace in a Global Community of Shared Future: China's Armed Force for World Peace" were exhibited. The atmosphere was friendly and warm.