On the afternoon of July 17, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered recent media queries concerning the military.

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

Journalist: The 4th China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange was recently held in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Could you provide more information?

Jiang Bin: The 4th China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange was successfully held in Kunming, Yunnan Province from July 8 to 10. Under the theme of "Practicing the Asian Security Model: China and ASEAN Jointly Respond to a Changing World", the event covered such topics as the Asian approach to resolving regional disputes, maritime security and the building of a maritime community with a shared future, enhancing strategic mutual trust through practical cooperation, and future-oriented defense and security cooperation. Around 150 defense officials and think tank scholars from China and the 11 ASEAN countries attended the event. It was widely agreed by the participants that the Asian security model, which is built on recognizing a common stake, seeking commonality despite differences, and championing dialogue and consultation, rejects the traditional vision of security featuring zero-sum game and pursues common security. It is of great significance for building security consensus among countries and maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. The more turbulent the international landscape, the more important for regional countries to remain committed to win-win cooperation.

This year marks the 35th year of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and the 5th year of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. China stands ready to work with ASEAN countries to uphold peace as our greatest shared interest, champion dialogue and partnership over confrontation and alliance, and jointly address various security challenges, so as to contribute wisdom and strength to the building of a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home.

Journalist: Images and footage of officers and soldiers of the PLA, the PAP and militia personnel carrying out emergency rescue and disaster relief operations have recently gone viral online. Many netizens commented that mud-caked figures in camouflage present the most heartwarming scene, and that the arrival of the PLA brings a profound sense of security. Do you have any comment?

Jiang Bin: The disaster relief efforts widely discussed online are never merely touching moments that happen occasionally. Instead, they represent an inevitable continuation across time and space of the PLA's fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly. Our military comes from the people, has its roots among the people and is dedicated to serving the people. Whether in the revolutionary years when the people sent their sons and daughters to join the military and hauled supplies to the front lines by cart, or in peacetime today when officers and soldiers rush toward danger in the face of disasters, the unity between the military and the people and our collective resolve has always been our greatest strength in overcoming every difficulty. The phrase "The PLA has arrived", represents the deepest trust of the people in the people's military. It is also the strongest motivation for our officers and soldiers on the front lines to press ahead in the face of danger.

Floodwaters have yet to recede, and the fight against disaster continues. Currently, the task forces are still working on levee reinforcement, silt clearance, floodwater drainage, epidemic prevention and disinfection in the affected areas. We pay tribute to all officers, soldiers and militia personnel who are fighting on the front lines of disaster relief and express our sincere gratitude to the people who support the military's rescue operations and stand shoulder to shoulder with our troops. Please rest assured: wherever the people face danger, the people's military will send its troops there; whenever the people need help, the people's military will act upon order and deliver on every mission.

Journalist: It is reported that the Chinese and Russian navies recently conducted a joint exercise and were having a joint maritime patrol. Some analysts suggest that the events coincided with a series of joint exercises conducted by the U.S. and its allies, showing that China and Russia are committed to reshaping the West-dominated world order. What is your comment on this?

Jiang Bin: Recently, China and Russia conducted Exercise Joint Sea 2026 in the waters and airspace near Qingdao. The participating troops from the two sides carried out drills on multiple subjects including joint reconnaissance and air and missile defense, and successfully accomplished all tasks. Currently, the two sides have transitioned to a joint maritime patrol. These activities are arrangements within the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, which are aimed at strengthening capabilities of the two militaries in jointly dealing with maritime security threats. They are not related to the current international or regional situation.

It must be emphasized that China-Russia military cooperation follows the principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party. It plays an important role in safeguarding the two nations' sovereignty and security and upholding international and regional peace and stability. We hope that relevant parties can view China-Russia military cooperation objectively and rationally, and stop making groundless speculation and cease smearing and hyping.

Journalist: According to media reports, the Philippine defense secretary recently visited Zhongye Dao to take part in the activities commemorating the 10th anniversary of the “South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award”. May I have your comment on this?

Jiang Bin: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Zhongye Dao. The Philippine defense secretary, who is sanctioned by the Chinese side, is playing tough toward China by staging political shows and fanning nationalist sentiments, which will ultimately undermine the fundamental interests of the Philippines and its people. The "arbitration" is, from beginning to end, a political farce masqueraded as a legal process, and the so-called award carries no legal force in any sense. The Chinese side does not accept nor recognize the award. We do not accept any claims or actions based on it. No matter how certain individuals in the Philippines perform, they can never distort the historical and legal fact that relevant islands and reefs belong to China, and can never shake the firm determination of the Chinese military to defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.