Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 9, 2026. (mod.gov.cn)
(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)
Zhang Xiaogang: I have one thing to announce at the top.
Zhang Xiaogang: On June 8, the 13th China-New Zealand Strategic Defense Dialogue was held in China. The two sides had in-depth and candid discussions on international and regional issues of shared concern, and reaffirmed the willingness to strengthen substantive engagement and cooperation. The dialogue helped enhance mutual understanding and trust between the two sides.
Journalist: It was reported that Defense Minister Dong Jun visited South Africa upon invitation. What's your comment on the military-to-military relations between China and South Africa?
Zhang Xiaogang: Minister Dong Jun's visit to South Africa upon invitation is another visit to the country by a Chinese defense minister after 12 years. During the visit, Minister Dong had talks with South Africa's Minister of National Defense and Military Veterans. The two leaders reached consensus on continuously deepening all-round China-South Africa substantive cooperation. The defining nature of China-South Africa relationship is "comrades plus brothers". Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of states, the two militaries will strengthen strategic communication, refine cooperation mechanisms, promote exchanges in specialized areas, and deepen education and training cooperation, setting an example for military cooperation among Global South countries.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 9, 2026. (mod.gov.cn)
Journalist: The 2026 national college entrance examination (Gaokao) is currently underway. Could you please introduce the enrollment plan of military academies for regular high school graduates?
Zhang Xiaogang: In 2026, 22 military academies across the armed forces plan to enroll approximately 17,500 regular high school graduates. The enrollment work of military academies fully implements the requirements for improving military political conduct, aligns precisely with the military's talent demand for combat, development, readiness, and governance. The enrollment plan is well-designed in accordance with the newly issued military education and training scheme. This year's plan has three features. First, it requires a comprehensive training model for cadets. Undergraduate education aims to build a solid foundation in scientific and cultural knowledge, military and political competency, and professional expertise. Emphasis will be placed on cultivating command capabilities and fostering long-term development potential to ensure cadets are well-prepared for pre-postingtraining. Second, it strengthens targeted cultivation of political officers. Leveraging its academic strengths, the National University of Defense Technology will enroll students in two majors: Marxist Theory and Ideological and Political Education. This aims to bolster the political officer corps at its very source. Third, it launches a "5+3" integrated medical education program. Starting this year, the three military medical universities of the PLA Army, Navy, and Air Force will implement an integrated training system. This system links five years of undergraduate medical education with three years of professional master's studies and standardized residency training, aimed at developing a competent and specialized military medical corps. Furthermore, leveraging the distinctive disciplinary strengths of individual academies, efforts will continue to cultivate talent in emerging technological fields.
Honing skills in youth, the young generation will contribute to building a strong military. We encourage more aspiring young people to apply to military academies. Embrace the challenges of military service to live out your youth with purpose and provide a constant source of impetus for our drive toward a world-class military. Moving forward, candidates and their families are advised to closely follow official announcements from the academies and be careful about online recruitment scams and false information.
Journalist: It's reported that China-Mongolia Steppe Partner 2026 joint army training concluded successfully. Could you please share more information about it?
Zhang Xiaogang: From May 30 to June 6, China-Mongolia Steppe Partner 2026 joint army training was successfully held at a joint training base in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Focusing on the theme of joint strike against illegal armed groups, the two sides conducted realistic training on subjects such as joint command and coordinated strikes. Highlights included armored assaults and smart operations in steppe environment, featuring the integrated deployment of unmanned and intelligent equipment. The manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) offensive training was conducted via force-on-force drills and laser engagement. The training covered unmanned ISR and strike, coordinated MUM-T assaults, breaching and clearing obstacles, and trench clearing operations. This marks the second iteration of this series of joint training. Through tactical and doctrinal exchanges, the two sides have further deepened exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries and enhanced their capabilities to jointly respond to security risks and execute missions.
Journalist: It was reported that the Japanese side kept tracking and monitoring the training activity conducted by PLANS Liaoning Carrier Task Group (CTG Liaoning) in the Western Pacific. Japan's Ministry of Defense has continuously disclosed the task group's number of vessels, the training location and the number of sorties flown by ship-borne aircraft. Japanese Defense Minister said they will continue to closely monitor the Chinese CTG and stay on alert. What's your comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: Currently, CTG Liaoning is conducting training in relevant waters of the Western Pacific as planned. The operation is not targeted at any specific country or entity. It aims to enhance the combat capabilities of the CTG through far-seas training. The Chinese side responded to multiple surveillance operations of the Japanese side during the training in accordance with laws and regulations. People see clearly that the Japanese side is playing up China's legitimate operation to stoke tensions and mislead public opinion. This propaganda campaign will never succeed.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of June 9, 2026. (mod.gov.cn)
Journalist: Soon after Japan and the Philippines unilaterally announced initiating maritime delimitation negotiations on the waters east of China's Taiwan Island, the China Coast Guard was reportedly conducted law enforcement patrols in the relevant waters, and the Ministry of Transport later carried out a special law enforcement action on maritime traffic. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: Regarding the announcement by Japan and the Philippines to bypass China and initiate the so-called "maritime delimitation negotiations" on the waters east of China's Taiwan Island, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated China's solemn position of firm opposition many times. We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately stop their illegal rights-violating and provocative acts. If they choose to persist in their wrong course, they will only be hoisted by their own petard. The Chinese side will take resolute and effective measures to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Journalist: It's reported that the head of Taiwan's defense department stated that although the U.S.defense secretary did not mention Taiwan in his keynote speech at the Shangri-LaDialogue, Taiwan would continue to strengthen its "self-defense" capabilities, maintain close military cooperation with America, and uphold its "responsibility and capability to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: "Taiwan independence" and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water, and safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait serves as the greatest common denominator between China and America. Recent statements made by the the U.S. side regarding Taiwan show that America now better understands and attaches greater importance to China's position and concerns on the Taiwan question. There is growing evidence that the prevailing trend of China's reunification is unstoppable. Any plot to "seek independence by relying on foreign support" or "seek independence by force" is doomed to failure. Those forces that stubbornly cling to their wrong course and move against the historical trend will eventually be overwhelmed by the torrent of history.
