On the afternoon of August 7, 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.)
Chen Xi: I have a piece of news to announce at the top.
Chen Xi: In mid and late August, airborne troops from China and Belarus will hold Swift Eagle 2026 joint training in Hubei. Under the theme of "joint counter-terrorism operations in urban terrain", the training will focus on subjects including surveillance and counter surveillance, seizure-and-control and protection, and elimination and defense. As the 4th iteration, the joint training will help enhance combat capabilities of the participating troops and deepen substantive cooperation between the two militaries.
Journalist: Recently, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held the 27th group study session on advancing national defense and military modernization with high quality. President Xi Jinping, who presided over the session, delivered an important speech. How will the military internalize and implement the guiding principles of President Xi's important remarks?
Chen Xi: Speaking from a strategic and big-picture perspective in consideration of the development of the times, President Xi, elaborated on the significance of advancing national defense and military modernization with high quality, summarized the achievements made in the modernization process since the beginning of the new era, and provided answers to a series of major relevant issues of directional, fundamental and overall significance. His words further inspired and encouraged our service members to strive forward with high morale and a new outlook to make decisive progress toward basically realizing the modernization of national defense and the armed forces, and to accelerate efforts in building the people's military into a world-class military.
The modernization of national defense and the armed forces is intended for providing strategic support for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, for promoting integrated military development through mechanization, informatization, and the application of intelligent technologies, and for preserving the nature, purpose and inherent character of the armed forces as the people's military. On the new journey, the military will continue to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, uphold and strengthen the absolute leadership of the CPC over the military, and follow through on the policy to enhance political loyalty of the armed forces in the new era. The military will accelerate the effective supply of advanced combat capabilities, progressively build an intelligent military system, strengthen the systemic integration of combat capabilities, solidly advance training and combat readiness, enhance military governance, and mobilize the efforts of both military and civilian units. By pooling strength and working together, the military will advance the modernization of national defense and the armed forces in a sound and sustained manner, providing strong strategic support for building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.
Journalist: According to reports, Wang Ji, a research fellow at the College of Computer Science and Technology of the National University of Defense Technology, was awarded the honorary title of "Role Model of the Times" by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, receiving widespread attention and praise from people across the country. Please brief us on more details.
Chen Xi: Research fellow Wang Ji is a leading pioneer in China's field of high-confidence software. Having devoted more than 30 years to military education and scientific research, he has stayed true to his original aspiration of cultivating talent with great moral character and strong war-fighting competence, and faithfully fulfilled the mission of guiding research with battlefield needs and conducting scientific research for combat effectiveness. Despite suffering from serious illnesses, including major limb amputation and renal failure, he has remained steadfast at his post and dedicated himself to his work with strong determination and optimism. He has unswervingly tackled challenges in the forefront of independent innovation in defense science and technology, making important contributions to ensuring the security and reliability of key software systems for major national assets. Many netizens are moved and encouraged by this "very good" professor, and praise him for "standing firm for the nation like a halberd, and being committed to strengthening the military with sincere devotion in heart."
Life moves forward, and the charge never stops. Wang Ji's smile and perseverance are an epitome of the silent sacrifice of all defense science and technology practitioners and their commitment to national security. We pay the highest tribute and extend our sincere blessings to these role models who have devoted themselves to the Party and the nation. Our service members will follow their examples, remain true to their original aspirations, keep their missions firmly in mind, strive with dedication to strengthen the military, and embrace the centenary of the founding of the PLA with greater political commitment.
Journalist: It's reported that after the Philippines deposited its so-called official nautical chart of Huangyan Dao and its surrounding maritime zones with the UN, the PLA Southern Theater Command conducted joint exercises in the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Dao as well as its surrounding areas. The China Coast Guard also carried out law-enforcement training in relevant waters. The spokesperson for the Philippine National Maritime Council claimed that any drills conducted by the Chinese side in this area are deemed illegal. What's your comment?
Chen Xi: Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory. China has continuously, peacefully and effectively exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Dao, and is the only country entitled by international law to declare the baselines of the territorial sea of Huangyan Dao. Relevant actions of the Philippine side seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty, international law and the basic norms of international relations. They are illegal, null and void. Our exercises stand as a serious warning against violations and provocations by the Philippine side. These are necessary and legitimate measures to safeguard our sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and our rights and interests.
In fact, since its independence in 1946, the Philippines has expanded its claims of territory and jurisdictional waters through domestic legislation while claiming following international law. Its behavior has led to wide wariness and dissatisfaction as well as resolute opposition from other littoral countries to the South China Sea. We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its illegitimate acts violating China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and stop its provocations and propaganda. The Chinese military will take firm and effective countermeasures against any provocative attempts to make waves and stir up troubles in the South China Sea.
Journalist: It's reported that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force recently conducted a live-fire test of a Tomahawk cruise missile. Japan's defense minister claimed that as the country faces the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II, long-range missiles will become part of Japan's counterstrike capabilities. Additionally, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force carried out a captive carry test of a new-type missile. What is your comment?
Chen Xi: Japan's moves to accelerate the development of offensive weapons are becoming increasingly rampant and perilous, which warrant high vigilance among regional countries. Realities have proved that the Japanese side's so-called "neighboring security threat" is merely a pretext for breaking free from its pacifist constitution and the "exclusively defense-oriented" policy, and expediting remilitarization. The real threat to Japan's security and regional peace and stability is its reckless attempts in ramping up military buildup and accelerating remilitarization. The nightmare of war must not repeat itself and peace must be upheld. It is imperative for the international community to unite and act in concert to contain the rise of Japan's neo-militarism and prevent it from plunging the world into turmoil.
