Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on February 10, 2026

On the afternoon of February 10, 2026, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answers 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: President Xi Jinping recently replied to veterans of Zimbabwe's national liberation war, emphasizing that China has always been a good comrade and partner in Africa's quest for national liberation, development and revitalization. Please provide more information about the military cooperation between China and African countries.

Jiang Bin: As a saying in Africa goes, "A river runs deep, thanks to its source." During our struggle against imperialism, colonialism and hegemonism in the 1950s and 1960s, China and African countries fought alongside each other as comrade-in-arms, rendering mutual understanding and support. The strong bond that were forged lasted until today, allowing us to live and breathe for the same future. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and leaders of African countries, the friendship between China and Africa has been sustained and deepened. Upholding the principles of equality, mutual benefit and common development, China-Africa military cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields such as military development, talent cultivation, joint exercises and training, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance. Initiatives like the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum and medical assistance to Africa have become signature programs of military-to-military cooperation.

China remains the most reliable partner and brother on the path forward for African countries. Staying committed to the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, the Chinese military will continue to engage in sincere cooperation and mutual support with militaries of African countries. Together, we will actively deliver on the Global Security Initiative, follow through on the Partnership Action for Common Security, and make greater contributions to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Journalist: Recently, the Bayi Aerobatic Team of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) attracted wide attention at the 10th Singapore Airshow. Please tell us more about it.

Jiang Bin: From February 3 to 8, the PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team participated, upon invitation, in the 10th Singapore Airshow. This marked the return of the Bayi Aerobatic Team to Singapore after a six-year interval and its debut there since being equipped with J-10C fighter jets. Through aerial refueling by an accompanying YY-20A tanker, the team reached the destination in a non-stop ferry flight.

During the airshow, the Bayi Aerobatic Team performed in three official sessions, presenting classic maneuvers such as six-ship formation synchronized roll, five-ship formation fly-past, and single-aircraft knife-edge pass. They also released smoke trails of red, yellow and white–colors of the national flags of China and Singapore, highlighting the friendship between the two countries. During the event, the team interacted and performed together with their foreign counterparts, and won wide acclaim.

This Singapore Airshow is the 13th overseas event attended by the Bayi Aerobatic Team. Soaring high in the sky, they have demonstrated China's image and built bridges of friendship across mountains and seas. Moving ahead, the PLAAF will fly higher and farther, and work with air forces of other countries to defend the peaceful skies.

Journalist: It is reported that Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says that the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) should be written into Japan's Constitution and she wants to revise the Constitution so the JSDF is positioned as an organization with strength. What's your comment on this?

Jiang Bin: For a long time, by resorting to the so-called interpretation of its Constitution, the Japanese government has breached the "exclusively defense-oriented" principle, lifted the ban on collective self-defense, and vigorously developed offensive weapons and equipment under the pretext of "defense". It is hypocritical to dress up "remilitarization" as "rule of law". Japan is blatantly seeking to include the JSDF into its Constitution. Such move is not aimed at refining the law but rather eroding the foundation of the "pacifist Constitution"; it is not intended to make the JSDF legitimate, but rather seeking to break free from military restrictions; it is not designed to help Japan return to the so-called normal country status, but rather returning to the evil path of militarism.

There is every indication that Japan's right-wing forces are deliberately challenging the post-war international order from multiple fronts including military, public opinion, and legal areas. The international community should be on high alert, firmly thwart any dangerous move, and join hands to safeguard the outcomes of WWII victory as well as regional peace and stability.

Journalist: The spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reportedly said that in order to advance the so-called New Hero-Fisherfolk initiative, the PCG has deployed vessels and aircraft to provide security for Philippine fishing boats operating near Huangyan Dao, protecting the Philippines' sovereign rights and the livelihoods of its fishermen. What's your comment?

Jiang Bin: Huangyan Dao is part of China's territory and has never been within the limits of Philippine territory. Certain authorities of the Philippine side trick and instigate innocent fishermen into committing provocative acts, using them as a tool to infringe upon China's legitimate rights, and even deliberately create friction to scapegoat and smear China. Such treacherous behaviors have fully betrayed their disregard for the livelihoods, well-being, or even the safety of fishermen. We urge the Philippine side to stop its unscrupulous political manipulation and self-directed farce at sea. China will continue to exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters in accordance with law, and resolutely defend our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Journalist: It is reported that troops of Taiwan plan to forward deploy HIMARS rocket systems to Penghu and Dongyin, with strike ranges covering PLA positions in Fujian, Zhejiang and other areas. Some scholars in Taiwan revealed that Taiwan's military authorities once proposed the idea of conducting "preemptive strikes" against the PLA. Please comment on that.

Jiang Bin: From forward deploying weapons to launching so-called preemptive strikes, "Taiwan independence" separatists are coming up with increasingly absurd ideas and overestimating their strength. In the face of the PLA's strong capabilities, should "Taiwan independence" armed forces dare to provoke a conflict, they will inevitably bring destruction upon themselves.

Jiang Bin: The Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse is approaching. In traditional Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes loyalty, courage and enterprise. In the military context, the horse represents the fighting spirit of charging into battle and protecting the homeland. Along thousands of miles of borderlines, across the vast territorial waters, and from the skies above to the deep blue oceans, PLA officers and soldiers are fully prepared and stay highly vigilant. We are relentlessly honing our capabilities to fight and win, so as to better protect the tranquility of our homeland.

With the 15th Five-Year Plan drawn up, the call for marching towards our centenary goal rings louder. In the coming year, the people's military will charge ahead like horses with courage, vitality and energy, and stride forward along the path of building a strong nation and military and advancing national rejuvenation.

Here, my comrades and I would like to wish our country prosperity and tranquility, and wish all the Chinese people vitality and happiness!