People’s Daily published an editorial to celebrate the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA’s) 85th anniversary to take place on August 1, 2012. The editorial stated that the PLA must provide armed forces to ensure that the Communist Party remains in power. “The international situation is unpredictable; the security situation is complex; external risks are unprecedented; and reform and development are tough. In the face of such an internal and external environment, the PLA must serve as an important force for the Party to consolidate its ruling position, provide strong security for national development, and act as the strategic support for safeguarding the national interest …”
Source: Xinhua, July 31, 2012
http://news.xinhuanet.com/mil/2012-07/31/c_112585037.htm