"China is steadily modernizing its military and enacting reforms to the army and national defense. Each year before the August 1 Army Day, we arrange journalist visits to our military bases. China’s increased military strength is not a threat to the world. On the contrary, it’s a positive contribution to the world," Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesman Geng Yansheng said.

The Chinese Army is keen to showcase what it describes as highly qualified personnel and its focus on recruiting more educated soldiers, all part of reform efforts to modernize itself.

Since 2008, China has opened some key military bases to visits from international journalists. China’s military is now in contact with more than 150 countries and participates in about 400 exchanges with foreign military delegations each year.

Over the past 87 years, the PLA has made outstanding contributions to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. The Chinese Army will continue to follow the independent foreign policy of peace, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation with the armed forces of other countries and contribute to building a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.