On the afternoon of July 9, 2026, Senior Colonel Chen Xi, 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, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at a gathering commemorating the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. He stressed that a strong country must have a strong military, and that only a strong military can ensure national security. How will the military study and implement the guiding principles of President Xi's important speech?

Chen Xi: From the strategic perspective of the overall development of the Party and the country, President Xi looked back on the remarkable journey and great achievements of the Chinese people of all ethnic groups led by the CPC over the past 105 years, and spelled out the defining qualities and crucial code of success that have enabled the Party to achieve one milestone after another. He set forth the clear requirements of "five musts" for all Party members to stay firm in convictions and forge ahead, and called on the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to strive for new historic achievements.

President Xi's important speech has further charted the course and provided fundamental guidance for fulfilling the Party's central task on the new journey in the new era. Only through in-depth learning can we act with greater resolve. Party organizations at all levels in the military have made the study and implementation of President Xi's important speech a major political task. They have coordinated efforts to study the original texts of the speech, delve deep into every detail, integrate theory with reality, carry out rigorous oversight and follow targeted guidance, so as to gain a thorough understanding of the great significance, rich substance and practical requirements of the speech and comprehend and act on Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building. Through these efforts, they have consistently aligned their thinking and actions with the guiding principles of President Xi's important speech and the major decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and President Xi, and devoted themselves to following and fulfilling the Party's historical missions. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, all officers and soldiers will thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, resolutely uphold the leadership core, unwaveringly follow the Party's command, carry forward the great founding spirit of the Party, remain true to the Party's original aspiration and founding mission, and press ahead with military preparedness, combat readiness and force development. They are committed to effectively fulfilling the missions and tasks of the people's armed forces in the new era and translating the outcomes of their study into a strong will and strength to forge political loyalty, reinforce the Party's organizational strengths, and achieve the military's centenary goal.

Journalist: It is reported that officers and soldiers of the PLA and the PAP, together with militia personnel, have recently made all-out efforts in emergency rescue and disaster relief in Guangxi, Hubei, Gansu and other areas. Could you give us more information?

Chen Xi: Recently, heavy rainfall and strong winds have triggered disasters including reservoir breaches and landslides in Guangxi, Hubei, Gansu and other areas. President Xi Jinping issued important instructions on flood control and disaster relief. Military units at all levels responded immediately to the order and swiftly joined emergency rescue and disaster relief operations. So far, more than 2,400 officers and soldiers of the PLA and the PAP, over 70 boats, more than 260 vehicles and engineering equipment, and over 5,500 militia personnel have been deployed to assist local authorities in relocation of affected residents, levee reinforcement, supply transportation, silt clearance and floodwater drainage, among other tasks. Putting the people and their lives first, the officers and soldiers of the task forces are working tirelessly on the front line of flood control and disaster relief, and brave wind and rain to do everything possible to protect the lives and property of the people.

Journalist: It is reported that a PLA Navy task force recently visited Hong Kong and conducted open-day events and cultural exchange activities, receiving enthusiastic participation from compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao. Could you share with us more information?

Chen Xi: On the occasion of the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, a PLA Navy task force consisting of the guided-missile destroyer PLANS Nanning and the guided-missile frigate PLANS Hengyang visited Hong Kong. The two vessels were opened for visits by Hong Kong and Macao residents, young students and other visitors at the port of Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks. A host of interactive activities were held, including military experience programs, training demonstrations and cultural performances. Over 30,000 Hong Kong and Macao compatriots boarded the vessels to witness the capabilities of the nation's major military equipment and gained a firsthand experience of the strength of a deep-blue Navy. Many visitors left messages, describing the visit as a vivid lesson on national defense. The experience of visiting ships that once carried out escort missions, overseas evacuation operations and joint exercises, and seeing by themselves advanced weapons on the ships, the visitors gained a stronger sense of belonging to the motherland. Protected by such a caring yet powerful navy, people living in Hong Kong feel safe and are confident that Hong Kong's future will be better.

Journalist: A recently released promotional video about the Y-20 transport aircraft has attracted widespread attention, making the transformation and upgrading of the PLA Air Force's strategic projection capability a widely discussed topic. The website Defense Arabia published an article saying that the Chinese Air Force has become the world’s second-largest air combat force, second only to the U.S. Air Force. Do you have any comment?

Chen Xi: The PLA Air Force (PLAAF) is in a critical stage in its strategic transformation toward "integrated air and space capabilities for both offensive and defensive tasks". From enhancing the combat readiness of new-generation fighter aircraft such as the J-20, J-16 and J-10 series, to expanding the reach of the Y-20 family, and to the systematic support provided by bombers, airborne early warning aircraft and other platforms, the PLAAF are strengthening its aerospace capabilities in strategic strikes, early warning, air and space defense, and strategic projection. Staying true to its original aspiration and founding mission and carrying forward its revolutionary heritage, the PLAAF is building a future-oriented force structure while accelerating modernization. It will always serve as a "Great Wall in the blue sky" safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests, and remain a steadfast guardian that upholds the country’s air and space security as well as regional peace and stability.

Journalist: According to reports, Japan's House of Councilors recently passed an amendment to the Ministry of Defense Establishment Act, which intends to rename Japan Air Self-Defense Force to Japan Aerospace Self-Defense Force and establish the Space Operations Wing accordingly. May I have your comment on this?

Chen Xi: In recent years, Japan has openly included space as an operational domain and revealed its ambition of space military build-up. Over the past five years, its military spending in relevant fields has increased tenfold and its operational forces have expanded over 30 times. These moves have accelerated the weaponization and militarization of space and fueled a space arms race. It is another proof that neo-militarism in Japan has become a real threat. The lasting peace and security of space bear on the security, development and prosperity of countries around the world. All peace-loving people should be on high alert against the dangerous moves of the Japanese side in space and resolutely contain accelerated remilitarization pushed by right wing forces in Japan, so as to safeguard the common home for humanity.

Journalist: Japan's Ministry of Defense recently issued several announcements, claiming that approximately 10 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels have been operating intensively in waters near Japan. Some analysts believe that the Chinese vessels transit through shipping lanes around Japan to the Western Pacific, with the aim of demonstrating operational capabilities and responding to recent multinational maritime joint exercises involving the U.S., Japan and other countries. Do you have any comment on that?

Chen Xi: The PLAN has sent its task group to conduct far-seas training in relevant waters. It is a routine activity within the PLAN's annual plan. The training is consistent with international law and customary international practice and does not target any specific country or target. It aims to further enhance the capabilities of our troops in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Journalist: It is reported that Lai Ching-te, while attending a graduation ceremony of a military academy, said that Taiwan would continue to expand foreign arms procurement and strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities. It is also reported that the Taiwan's naval force has recently established a Littoral Combat Command. Do you have any comment?

Chen Xi: Clamoring for seeking "Taiwan independence" by force and external support, Lai Ching-te has once again exposed his true nature as a saboteur of peace and an instigator of war. Whatever Lai Ching-te says or does, he cannot change the military strength comparison across the Taiwan Strait, nor can he stop the irresistible trend of China's reunification.

"Taiwan independence" is a dead end, while reunification is the right path forward. We hope Taiwan compatriots see through the the extreme danger and grave harm of the DPP authorities' obstinate pursuit of "Taiwan independence", and join us in combating "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, opposing external interference, and safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.