On the afternoon of November 7, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military.

On the afternoon of November 7, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military. (mod.gov.cn)

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

Journalist: It is reported that the lecturing team interpreting the spirit of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee is currently touring military units to give lectures. Please tell us more about what the military has done and will do on studying and implementing the spirit of the meeting?

Jiang Bin: The fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was held at a critical time as China advances toward its second centenary goal. It charts the course and provides the fundamental guidance for the Chinese military to open up new prospects for national defense and military modernization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. In accordance with the arrangements and requirements made by the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, the entire military is carrying out extensive activities in various forms to earnestly study and internalize the important speech of President Xi, fully and accurately understand the requirements laid out in the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, and maintain a strong momentum in studying, promoting, and implementing the guiding principles of the session.

It is often said that the worth of any plan lies in its implementation. Following Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, we will draft a sound 15th Five-Year Plan for military development that meets the requirements for the modernization of national defense and the armed forces during this period. Efforts will be made to fully integrate the policy to enhance political loyalty of the armed forces in the new era into the planning and development of the military. We will advance key tasks in a coordinated manner and strive for major breakthroughs in areas such as accelerating advanced combat capabilities, modernizing military governance, and enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities. By doing so, the military can strengthen its strategic capabilities for defending national sovereignty, security, and development interests, achieve the military's centenary goal on schedule, and modernize national defense and the armed forces.

Journalist: According to reports, General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and Admiral Dong Jun, Minister of National Defense, recently held meetings and talks with the Serbian Defense Minister. What is your comment?

Jiang Bin: The ironclad China-Serbia friendship has withstood the test of changing international landscape. It is underpinned by profound historical ties, solid political trust, extensive common interests, and great affinity between the two peoples. In recent years, under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, the two militaries have deepened exchanges and cooperation in such areas as high-level visits, personnel training, and joint exercises. The Chinese military stands ready to work with the Serbian side to strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, and firmly support each other to advance the building of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era.

Journalist: It is reported that Minister of National Defense Dong Jun attended the 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus and the 15th China-ASEAN Defense Ministers' Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently. What are China's expectations for enhancing defense and security cooperation with ASEAN countries?

Jiang Bin: Connected by geography and mutual interests, China and ASEAN have shared weal and woe and pursued common development. Over recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of China and ASEAN countries, China-ASEAN defense cooperation has steadily expanded in depth and breadth, covering various areas including high-level exchanges, joint training, personnel training, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism operations, medical service, and rescue and disaster relief. There have been many highlights and fruitful results in China-ASEAN defense cooperation.

During the meetings, Minister of National Defense Dong Jun met with defense leaders of ASEAN countries and reached important consensus on deepening defense and security cooperation and safeguarding regional peace and stability. As a good neighbor, good friend and good partner to ASEAN, China firmly supports ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. We stand ready to work with ASEAN countries to uphold peace, which is our greatest common interests, carry forward the fine tradition of harmonious coexistence, champion dialogue and partnership over confrontation and alliance, and join hands in addressing all kinds of security challenges. With these efforts, we aim to further strengthen China-ASEAN defense and security cooperation, build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and jointly create a better future for our region.

Journalist: According to media reports, the Philippines continuously rallied countries outside the region to conduct joint patrols and military exercises in the South China Sea. It is clamoring for establishing a so-called task force to deal with China's "coercive" behavior. What's your comment?

Jiang Bin: We hold that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should neither target or harm the interests of any third party, nor undermine regional peace and stability. The root cause for tensions in the South China Sea is that the Philippine side frequently draws in outside forces to conduct infringement and provocation. The historical context and the rights and wrongs of the South China Sea issue are clear. China rejects any unfounded accusations that propagate false narratives and distort legal facts. We will neither tolerate the blackmailing by those who provoke first and play the victim, nor indulge the provocation by those who stir up troubles in collusion with outside powers. That said, we will not give up efforts to upholding peace, stability and development through coordination. China stands firm and resolute in safeguarding our territorial sovereignty and protecting our maritime rights and interests. We urge the Philippine side to stop undermining joint efforts by regional countries in pursuing peace and development, and cease its infringement, provocation and propaganda. Otherwise, the higher it jumps, the harder it will fall.

Journalist: It is reported that the Taiwan's army recently held a commissioning ceremony for the M1A2T tanks. Lai Ching-te claimed that strengthening Taiwan's defense is aimed at maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, asserting that only strength can bring true peace. Please comment on that.

Jiang Bin: The "Taiwan independence" separatist forces are fully aware of the comparison of military strength across the Strait. Their high-profile theatrics are nothing more than an attempt to embolden themselves and deceive the people in Taiwan. No display of US-made weapons by the troops of Taiwan can undermine the resolve and capability of the People's Liberation Army in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The desperate resistance by "Taiwan independence" separatist forces will not stop the rolling wheels of the time. We solemnly warn Lai Ching-te and his ilk that seeking "independence" by force is a dead end. Only by completely abandoning their separatist attempts and following the historical trend toward national reunification can bring true peace to Taiwan.