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Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

May I begin by thanking the People’s Liberation Army for giving me the opportunity to speak at this historic university.

In particular, I would like to thank Lieutenant General Zhang Shibo, the President of the National Defense University, for hosting my delegation today.

It was a pleasure to have welcomed you to New Zealand last year.

This is my first visit to China as Minister of Defence.

I have visited China four times, and I feel more welcome every time I return.