Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of October 30, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

Zhang Xiaogang: Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this month's regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense (MND). I have three pieces of news to announce at the top.

Firstly, from October 30 to November 2, Minister of National Defense Dong Jun will attend the 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the 15th China-ASEAN Defense Ministers' Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur at the invitation of the Ministry of National Defense of Malaysia, the rotating chair of ASEAN. At the ADMM-Plus, Minister Dong Jun will deliver a speech to review the 15-year history of ADMM-Plus. At the China-ASEAN Defense Ministers' Informal Meeting, he will deliver a speech on Future-Oriented China-ASEAN Defense Cooperation. On the sidelines of the events, he will have bilateral meetings with defense leaders of relevant countries.

Secondly, the PLA Army Engineering University will host the 12th International Army Cadets Week (IACW) from November 2 to 9. Over 30 cadets from military academies of 13 countries including Pakistan, Serbia and Brazil will join their counterparts from the PLA Army Arms University and the PLA Army Infantry Academy to take part in the event. Under the theme of the Impact of New-domain and New-quality Forces to Future Warfare, this year's IACW will have discussions on such topics as the impact of unmanned equipment development to future warfare and winning the modern warfare in contested environments. The IACW is a platform for Chinese and foreign military academies to deepen practical cooperation with each other.

Thirdly, the 6th International Cadets Week of the PLAAF will be held in Xi'an, Shaanxi province from November 2 to 8. The theme of the event is Mutual Learning, Friendship and a Shared Future. Over 30 cadets from 18 countries, including Indonesia, Egypt and Peru, will join their Chinese counterparts from the PLA National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) and the PLA Air Force Aviation University in an international cadets' camp, and conduct learning and training activities, academic exchanges and cultural interactions. The event, to be organized by the PLA Air Force Engineering University, aims to enhancing the participants' military competence and cross-cultural communication skills, and fostering international friendship and cooperation.

Journalist: The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee recently adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. It clearly outlined key tasks for advancing national defense and military modernization with high quality. How will the military ensure the implementation of the spirit of the plenum?

Zhang Xiaogang: The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was successfully held from October 20 to 23 and it adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. Focusing on building a strong country and national rejuvenation, the plenum assessed the trends of the times and the broader strategic picture, and made major plans and set clear requirements for achieving the centenary goal of the PLA on schedule and modernizing national defense and the armed forces with high quality, which provides a clear direction and fundamental guidance for the military to open up new prospects for national defense and military modernization during the period covered by the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Studying and implementing the spirit of the plenum thoroughly is a major political task for the whole Party, country, and the military at present and for the foreseeable future. The military will thoroughly study, internalize and implement the content and essence of President Xi's important speech and the plenary session. We will align our thoughts and actions with the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, the CMC, and President Xi. The Chinese military will unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, gain a better understanding of the decisive significance of Two Affirmations, enhance Four Consciousnesses, strengthen Four-sphere Confidence, ensure Two Upholds, and implement the CMC chairman responsibility system. With unwavering determination, we will forge ahead with enterprise and fortitude to achieve the military's centenary goal, and accelerate the transformation into a world-class military, thus providing a strong strategic support for building a strong nation and realizing national rejuvenation through the Chinese path of modernization.

Journalist: October 25 is the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration. However, Lai Ching-te did not mention anything about Taiwan's restoration on the day. Instead, he released a statement clamoring for the Battle of Guningtou. He said that "the conviction of the Taiwanese people and military to defend Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu has never wavered". What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration, the designation of the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration in the name of the state fully responds to people's aspirations and reflects the national will. It underscores the historical and juridical fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, and demonstrates the firm resolve of all ethnic groups across the nation to oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and advance the great cause of national reunification. It also embodies the broad consensus of the international community on upholding the one-China principle. This move will undoubtedly guide compatriots on both sides of the Strait in carrying forward and promoting the tradition of patriotism, the spirit of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and the great national spirit, inspiring all Chinese people to unite in striving for national reunification and rejuvenation.

Lai Ching-te and his ilk stand on the opposite side of history, against compatriots across the Strait and in defiance of the international consensus. Their attempts to "seek independence by force" and "resist reunification by force" are nothing but a mantis trying to stop a chariot, overestimating their own strength. They are doomed to be buried by the historical trends and face the severest judgment by justice.

Journalist: It is reported that Chinese and Malaysian militaries held Aman Youyi 2025 Joint Exercise from October 15 to 23. Could you please provide more details about it?

Zhang Xiaogang: Aman Youyi 2025 Joint Exercise was held in Malaysia and waters in the Strait of Malacca. The key activities included humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations and live-troop exercises on maritime security (MARSEC). Over 1,300 military personnel from China and Malaysia took part in the exercise. During the on-land phase of the exercise, participating troops of China and Malaysia formed a joint task force to carry out search and rescue and first aid tasks, with robotic dogs, high-mobility ambulance and other smart equipment deployed. During the maritime phase, naval forces from both countries formed a joint task force to conduct joint search and rescue, joint escort and shipborne helicopter vertical replenishment. In the air domain, multiple rounds of subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) were organized between pilots from both sides. In addition, participating troops also took part in various cultural exchanges and ship open days were organized by both sides. Across mountains and seas, sincere friends join hands to safeguard peace. Aman Youyi 2025 Joint Exercise has been held six times so far. It has become an important signature program for military cooperation to enhance mutual trust and strengthen coordination. It has effectively enhanced the capacity of participants to cope with humanitarian crises, safeguard maritime security, and maintain regional stability.

Journalist: According to media reports, the so-called US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2025 was held in the US recently. The two sides discussed joint R&D and production of weapons, and more US arms sales to Taiwan. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: The DPP authorities are pandering to the US for selfish interests at the expense of Taiwan's interests and seeking independence by force at the cost of Taiwan's resources, dragging the people in Taiwan down into an abyss. No matter how much weaponry the DPP authorities plans to buy from the US, it will not change the military strength comparison across the Strait, nor the desolate fate of "Taiwan Independence".

The US should fully recognize the high sensitivity and severe consequences of its arms sales to Taiwan, stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question which concerns China's core interests, and take concrete actions to deliver on its promise of not supporting "Taiwan independence".

The PLA will firmly smash any "Taiwan independence" separatist plot and foreign interference, and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity with stronger capabilities and more reliable means.

Journalist: The recent hit TV series Silent Honor has sparked widespread interest across the Strait on TV series related to the reunification of China. Some young people in Taiwan said that the series helped them learn about a lesser-known chapter in the history of cross-Strait relations and found it deeply moving. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: I have noticed that a growing number of people are reading history and paying tribute to heroes and martyrs after watching relevant television dramas. This will undoubtedly strengthen the resolve and sense of duty among compatriots on both sides of the Strait in advancing the great cause of national reunification. I firmly believe that family reunion and national reunification is the common aspiration of our people, and reunification is an unstoppable historical trend. The unfinished cause of the martyrs will ultimately be accomplished.

Journalist: I have two questions. First, according to media reports, Lai Ching-te recently stated that strengthening national defense was not a provocation, and Taiwan must show "firm opposition to annexation, opposition to invasion, and opposition to advancing unification." What is your comment on this? Second, you just mentioned Defense Minister Dong Jun's participation in the 12th ADMM-Plus. Is there any plan to meet the US defense secretary on the sidelines of the meeting?

Zhang Xiaogang: Regarding the first question, Lai Ching-te and his ilk have consistently used deceptive rhetoric to mislead the public, concealing their sinister intention of pursuing "Taiwan independence" and provoking conflicts. Their actions are nothing but schemes that harm and destroy Taiwan. We solemnly warn the DPP authorities that national reunification is an unstoppable historical trend, and those who "seek independence by force" will only court their own destruction.

Regarding the second question, China maintains an open attitude towards developing military-to-military relations with the US. We hope the US side will work with us in the same direction to build a military-to-military relationship featuring equality, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and greater stability. Concerning the specific matter you mentioned, I have no information to release at this time.

Journalist: I have two questions. First, on October 25, the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration, Jilin-1, a commercial satellite, released multiple high-resolution images of Taiwan. From the satellite's view, every street in Taiwan is clearly visible. Local media commented that technological development in mainland is impressive — "when commercial satellites can detect these facilities so clear, military satellites are certainly more capable." What is your comment on this? Second, Japan's newly-elected Prime Minister recently announced that she would move up the government's plan to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP to be completed this fiscal year by next March instead of the originally planned fiscal year 2027. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Regarding the first question, it is perfectly normal for Chinese satellites to capture images of the magnificent landscapes of China's Taiwan region. No need to make a big deal out of it.

Regarding the second question, given Japan's history of militarist aggression, Japan's military and security moves are closely watched. In recent years, Japan has substantially increased its defense budget, continuously relaxed restrictions on arms export, and sought military breakthroughs. There are greater concerns over Japan's commitment to the exclusively defense-oriented policy and the path of peaceful development. We urge the Japanese side to act prudently in military and security areas, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions.

Journalist: It is reported that Philippine public vessels intruded into waters adjacent to islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, and its reconnaissance aircraft intruded into territorial airspace over China's Huangyan Dao. The Philippine side claimed that China's corresponding operations threatened the safety of its crew, vessels and aircraft. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. For a period of time, the Philippine side has launched frequent infringements and provocations against China, stirring up troubles at sea. It has attempted to make waves at sea by soliciting external support, blackmailing and pressuring China through bluffing acts that resembles the fox borrowing the tiger's terror. It has also kept spreading false information to smear China and mislead the public. The Chinese side will firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests with legitimate, legal, professional and prudent actions to protect our rights. We would never allow any provocations and trouble-making to work, nor would we leave any room for blackmailing the big by the small. We urge the Philippine side to mend your ways before it's too late, come back to the right track of dialogue and consultation, and maintain peace and stability in the south China Sea together with other regional countries.

Journalist: Recently, a netizen drove over 2,000 kilometers to repair damaged giant characters of Serve the People etched in the Gobi Desert of Hami, Xinjiang. His action has attracted wide attention online. The PLA Air Force also issued a statement praising the netizen who repaired the landmark and local government. What is your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: As obscure as mountains and rivers, this landmark will stand the test of time, embodying remarkable spirit. More than being a landmark, these characters once were important navigation markers, witnessing the PLA Air Force's development and bearing special historical significance. The voluntary act of the netizen who drove thousands of kilometers to restore the landmark carries extraordinary meaning and has received wide attention. Let us safeguard our shared spiritual homeland together.

Journalist: It is reported that China and Saudi Arabia successfully held Blue Sword 2025 naval special operations joint training from October 12 to 23. Please give us more details on this.

Zhang Xiaogang: The Chinese and Saudi Arabian Navies conducted Blue Sword 2025 joint naval special operations training in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The exercise consisted of two phases: individual training and collaborative training, followed by a comprehensive drill. Centered on counter-terrorism, maritime escort, and search-and-rescue operations, the joint training featured a range of scenarios, including anti-hijacking operations, sniper training, and tactical shooting drills. These activities significantly enhanced operational capabilities and interoperability of the participating troops .

As the third such exercise between the two navies, Blue Sword 2025 has progressed from land to sea and from basic skills to systematic training. Through mixed-unit drills and realistic combat simulations, the two sides exchanged expertise and learned from each other, underscoring their commitment to practical military cooperation. The joint training stands as a significant step in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia.

Journalist: Indonesia's Defense Minister recently confirmed that the country would procure China's J-10 fighter jets. Could you please confirm the information?

Zhang Xiaogang: The Chinese side takes a prudent and responsible attitude towards export of military products. We are willing to share the latest achievements of equipment modernization with peace-loving countries, and jointly maintain peace and stability of the region and beyond.

Zhang Xiaogang: If there are no more questions, this concludes today's press conference. Thank you.