On the afternoon of August 14, 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.

The Chinese and Egyptian air forces will hold Eagles of Civilization 2026 joint training in Egypt from mid-August to early September. The training will focus on such subjects as air combat tactics, air superiority operations, and combat search and rescue, and will include force employment drills. As the second iteration of its kind, the joint training will further enhance mutual trust and traditional friendship, deepen substantive cooperation between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries, and contribute to regional peace and stability.

Journalist: The promotional video Zhisheng (Securing Victory), released on August 1, drew widespread attention at home and abroad. Could you please provide more details?

Chen Xi: As of now, clicks of Zhisheng (Securing Victory) has reached more than 7.9 billion across all media platforms. The video faithfully portrays how officers and soldiers of the military, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, have remained true to their original aspirations and missions and focused their efforts on strengthening combat readiness. Through scenes of real-world military training and equipment in action, audiences at home and abroad are able to see the progress China's military has made in building its joint operations system, particularly its landmark achievements in developing new-quality combat capabilities. Some netizens commented: "The PLA's capability to secure victory is reflected not only in its state-of-the-art military assets, but, more importantly, in the faith, will, wisdom and dedication of its service members in the practice of strengthening the military in the new era. This makes us even more confident in the tried-and-tested ability of the people’s military to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests." In recent years, from Zhuiguang (Chasing Light), Zhumeng (Following Dream), Cuihuo (Being Tempered), Gongjian (Tackling Challenges), to the newly-released Zhisheng (Securing Victory), these promotional videos have progressively presented the new look, new ethos and forward-charging spirit of the people’s military, conveying the strong confidence and firm determination of all service men and women as they stride toward the centenary goal of the PLA.

Journalist: It is reported that the 11th National Student Military Training Camp was held successfully in Dalian, Liaoning Province. Could you please provide more details?

Chen Xi: From July 30 to August 12, the Ministry of Education and the National Defense Mobilization Department of the Central Military Commission, together with the PLA Air Force, held the 11th National Student Military Training Camp in Dalian, Liaoning Province. Themed "Inspire Aspirations Beyond the Clouds, Launch Dreams into the Sky," the camp brought together more than 700 high school and university students from across the country. Participants engaged in military skills training, tried operating unmanned equipment, took part in drills featuring Air Force-specific subjects, attended the August 1 flag-raising ceremony, and participated in "Approaching Heroes" activities. Through these experiences, they cultivated military literacy, enhanced willpower, gained an immersive understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, and fostered a deep affection for the Party, the country, and the armed forces.

Organizing the National Student Military Training Camp is an effective way to provide a innovative model for student military training, and the camp has become a signature program for student military training in the new era. Living youth to the fullest to pave the way for dreams to flourish. We hope that more young students will carry forward the revolutionary spirit, care for national defense and act accordingly, and contribute to and pursue their dreams in the cause of building a strong country and a strong military.

Journalist: Tomorrow, August 15, will be 81 years to the day since Japan announced its unconditional surrender. Yet even now, Japan's right-wing forces keep distorting history and pushing for military expansion. Meanwhile, Japan's Defense Ministry is set to submit a record-high budget of around 8.9 trillion yen for fiscal year 2027. What's your comment?

Chen Xi: Eighty-one years ago, struck hard by China and global anti-fascist forces, Japan announced its unconditional surrender. Before that, Japanese militarists had plunged the whole Asia into an abyss of bloodshed and disaster. Their atrocities, such as the Nanjing Massacre, the Bataan Death March, and the Death Railway between Thailand and Myanmar, inflicted untold sufferings on the peoples of other Asian countries and beyond, and even on the Japanese people themselves. However, after its defeat, Japan failed to truly draw lessons from history. It has long condoned its right-wing forces whitewashing and denying crimes of aggression, sought every possible means to break free from the pacifist Constitution and exclusively defense-oriented principle, and attempted to challenge the post-war international order. As a result, Japan has become detrimental to regional peace and stability. Recently, under the pretext of addressing so-called external threats, the Japanese side has substantially increased its defense budget, rigorously developed offensive capabilities, and aggressively expanded its military industry. Japan's neo-militarism has laid bare its true ambition, and we must stay vigilant against the dangers posed by it.

Historical facts must not be forgotten, and justice and peace must not be compromised. We urge the Japanese side to earnestly reflect on itself, recognize and atone for its crimes, adhere to the post-war international order, and stop its dangerous acts of remilitarization. Any return to the wrong path will bring a more crushing defeat and a more complete reckoning.

Journalist: It's reported that the Philippines and Australia held the Defense Ministers' Meeting and issued a joint statement, expressing "serious concern" over recent actions taken by the China Coast Guard at Ren'ai Jiao. In the statement, they also urged all parties to operate "professionally and safely". What's your comment?

Chen Xi: We firmly oppose the unfounded accusations and smears made by the Philippines and Australia against China. Regarding the Philippine side's deliberate provocations and attacks on the Chinese personnel at Ren'ai Jiao, the China Coast Guard has issued a statement and released evidence. The Chinese side took necessary countermeasures, which were professional, restrained and beyond reproach.

It must be emphasized that Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao and an inherent territory of China. Whatever the Philippine side says or does cannot change this fact. What the Philippine side should do is to remove the illegally grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) as soon as possible. The Chinese side will continue to conduct rights-protection and law enforcement activities to thwart any violations or provocations and safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge relevant countries to stop peddling false narratives, provoking confrontation and undermining regional peace and stability.

Journalist: According to reports, during this year's Exercise Han Kuang 42 in Taiwan, Lai Ching-te rehearsed a "wartime escape" route. Meanwhile, the troops of Taiwan experienced accidents including tank parts falling off and a fighter jet overshooting the runway. Simulated communications degradation and phased internet blackouts as part of the exercise sparked panic among local residents. What is your comment on this?

Chen Xi: The so-called Han Kuang exercise has always been a grandstanding stunt that exhausts the public and squanders resources. This year's drill has revealed Lai Ching-te's cowardly nature: getting himself ready to flee at the first sign of trouble in the name of defense. The DPP authorities also recklessly creats war panic, turns cities into battlefields at a faster pace, and forces civilians to the frontlines, all of which disrupt social tranquility in Taiwan and undermine the safety and well-being of local residents. We caution the DPP authorities that no matter how many exercises they conduct, "Taiwan independence" will not succeed. The PLA will remain on high alert, focus on combat readiness, and continuously enhance our combat capabilities against separatism and foreign interference. We will remain a powerful guarantee for safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.