Top China General Coming Here

Ambassador Bo says two-day visit form General Li scheduled for November 10.

China’s Ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo, has confirmed that a top level visit from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will arrive here soon.

The visit, scheduled on November 10 and 11, will be led by General Li Zuocheng, the chief of the Joint Staff Department of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

“This will be the first top level visit from the PLA to Fiji and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). General Li will be accompanied by 10 PLA officers,” Ambassador Bo said.

General Li was awarded a firstclass merit for his role in China’s conflict with Vietnam in 1979. The Central Military Commission later honoured him as a ‘war hero’. His combat unit was also awarded a collective order of merit.

He has been seen as one of President Xi Jinping’s rising stars since 2013, when he was named chief of the former Chengdu Military Region, which also looks after the border region with India.

General Li was promoted to full general in 2015, and his new role is crucial to China’s military reforms. Ambassador Bo also said a Chinese naval vessel would arrive here on November 4, along with a number of vehicles for the RFMF. He said China was also offering training for Fijian military officers, while emphasising the strong relationship between China and the RFMF.

This will be the first top level visit from the PLA to Fiji and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). General Li will be accompanied by 10 PLA officers. Qian Bo China’s Ambassador to Fiji