Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of August 27, 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: Good afternoon. Welcome to the regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense. I have a piece of news to announce at the top.

Zhang Xiaogang: The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum will be held from September 15 to 17 at Beijing International Convention Center. Under the theme "Build Consensus on Stability, Advance Security Governance Together", the forum will feature four plenary sessions on International Order and Strategic Stability, Localized Conflicts: Predicaments and Pathways to Resolution, Risks and Challenges to Security and Stability in the Asia-Pacific, and The Role and Vision of Developing Countries, as well as eight parallel sessions including Major-country Relations and Strategic Stability, Asian Approaches to Addressing Security Challenges, Sea Lane Security and Maritime Security Governance, Risks and Regulation of Military Applications of Emerging Technologies, and Trends in Outer Space Security Governance. The 4th China-Africa Peace and Security Forum will also be convened in conjunction with the Xiangshan Forum.

The Beijing Xiangshan Forum will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Guided by the spirit of equality, openness, inclusiveness and mutual learning, the forum has evolved from a Track 2 exchange among defense think tanks into a major Track 1.5 platform for international security and defense dialogue. It serves to build consensus, deepen trust, and advance cooperation in global security governance and fostering a community with a shared future for humanity. We invite defense and military leaders, representatives of international organizations, and renowned scholars to join the forum as we mark its 20th anniversary and explore solutions to global security governance together.

Journalist: According to media reports, the Taiwan administrative agency on August 20 passed the fiscal year 2027 general budget proposal. The DPP authorities in the Taiwan region have pegged overall so-called defense spending at  NT$1.1225 trillion, up NT$173 billion from fiscal year 2026, an increase of 18.2% — the first time the figure has crossed the NT$1 trillion threshold and set a record high. The so-called defense outlay accounts for about 29% of total expenditures, meaning roughly NT$29 out of every NT$100 in the budget goes to military-related spending. What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Peace, development, exchanges and cooperation represent the mainstream public will in Taiwan society. The Lai Ching-te authorities, driven by the partisan and personal interests of the DPP alone, act against the tide—vainly currying favor with and pandering to external forces, recklessly squandering the people's hard-earned wealth, and rushing headlong down the reactionary path of arms expansion. This gravely undermines the livelihood and well-being of our compatriots on the island, will ultimately drain Taiwan's coffers, and the DPP authorities are bound to be spurned by the public and meet their defeat.

Journalist: A landslide recently occurred on the border between Nepal and China. According to reports, it has resulted in hundreds of casualties or missing persons, including Indian tourists. Could you please provide the latest updates and more details on this? Has it had any impact on the surrounding areas?

Zhang Xiaogang: I'd like to express deep condolences to those who suffered in the natural disaster. I have no specific details at hand at the moment, but the Chinese military is actively taking part in road clearance, personnel search and rescue, casualty evacuation and transfer, and screening for secondary disaster risks. We are determined to protect the lives and property of the people.

Journalist: According to media outlets in Taiwan, China and Indonesia have carried out maritime exercises in waters to the east of Taiwan Island, which is a political manipulation to expand presence under the pretext of exercise. A US State Department spokesperson claimed that relevant countries should seek a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan question, instead of peddling narratives that the mainland may undermine peace and stability. What's your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: Taiwan is part of China. China has an exclusive economic zone and a continental shelf in waters to the east of Taiwan Island. The exercise conducted by the navies of China and Indonesia in the waters is completely justified, lawful, and necessary. It further enhances integrated combat capabilities and promotes pragmatic cooperation, which is conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability.

Journalist: I have two questions. Firstly, it was reported that Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun recently paid a visit to Timor-Leste and went to Indonesia to attend the Second Ministerial Meeting of China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue. Please share more information with us.

Secondly, on August 23rd, Lai Ching-te claimed that the DPP authorities will not yield an inch of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, keep strengthening and investing in defense, and argued that a peace deal secured by sacrificing would only bring humiliation rather than real peace. What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, upon invitation, Defense Minister Dong Jun recently visited Timor-Leste and went to Indonesia for the Second Ministerial Meeting of China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue. These are concrete steps implementing the important consensus between the leaders of China and Timor-Leste, and China and Indonesia. The visits will further deepen mutual trust on security and defense cooperation, and contribute to building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.

The relationship between China and Timor-Leste is stronger than ever before. During this first Chinese defense minister's visit to Timor-Leste, Minister Dong Jun held separate meetings with the President and the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste. The two sides had in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations and military-to-military ties, the international and regional situation, and other issues of shared interest. They agreed to further deepen defense cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats, and elevate the military-to-military relationship to a higher level.

In recent years, bilateral defense cooperation between China and Indonesia has improved in both quality and efficiency, setting an example for new-type defense cooperation among the Global South and major developing countries. China will work with Indonesia to advance cooperation in defense and military development from a strategic perspective, further tap the potential of defense cooperation, and promote regular and institutionalized cooperation on defense equipment and technology, joint exercises and training, personnel training, and maritime security. The two sides will continue these efforts to provide solid security safeguards for their respective development, play a key role in regional stability, and inject more stability, certainty, and constructive factors into a world marked by transformation and disruption.

On your second question, there is but one China in the world, and Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu are all parts of China. Peace, development, exchange, and cooperation are the common aspirations of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Lai Ching-te's deliberate distortion of history and his attempts to stir up cross-strait confrontation and antagonism go against the will of the people and will find no support. We hope that our fellow compatriots in the Taiwan region will join hands with us to oppose and strike the "Taiwan independence separatist forces, firmly oppose interference by external forces, resolutely advance the great cause of national reunification, and work together for peace across the Taiwan Strait and for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Journalist: It's reported that the Chinese and Thai air forces held Falcon Strike 2026 joint training recently. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: China-Thailand Falcon Strike 2026 joint air force training was held in Udorn and Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Bases. This marked the ninth joint training between Chinese and Thai air forces. The Chinese military sent multiple types of equipment, including fighter jets, airborne early warning aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, helicopters, and surface-to-air weaponry. The joint training was marked by deeper command integration, with participating forces mixed and reorganized under a joint command center tasked with overseeing planning, coordination, organization and execution. Operational coordination was significantly enhanced. The two sides conducted mobile deployment drills involving ground-based air defense systems. Chinese medevac-configured aircraft participated in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drill, putting joint operational linkages to a practical test. Subjects of bilateral exchanges were enriched, featuring professional seminars and field visits on personnel training and UAV employment. The joint training has further enhanced capabilities of the two sides and deepened cooperation between the two militaries.

Journalist: According to media reports, several Japanese politicians visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Class-A war criminals, on August 15th, the anniversary of Japan's surrender. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi offered a ritual offering fee. Rather than condemning the move, the DPP authorities in Taiwan went so far as to claim that they respect the diverse views in Japanese society on historical issues. What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: The Yasukuni Shrine is a veritable shrine for war criminals and a house for summoning the soul of militarism. Japanese politicians' repeated collective "worship of the dead" tramples wantonly on the feelings of people across the Asia-Pacific, grossly profanes historical justice, and lays bare the true nature of Japan's right-wing forces, who cling to the obsession of reviving militarism and the inherent instinct for external aggression and expansion. The international community must heighten its vigilance and firmly check such moves.

Beyond the 14 convicted Class A war criminals, the shrine also honors war criminals such as Rikichi Ando and Nogi Maresuke, whose hands were stained with the blood of our compatriots in Taiwan. The DPP authorities in the Taiwan region, by fawning over Japan and worshipping the colonizer while treating the aggressor as kin, have sunk to a despicable low. We hope the broad mass of Taiwan compatriots will stand as upright Chinese nationals, firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, and actively join the just cause of the motherland's peaceful reunification.

Journalist: It's reported that Chinese and Belarusian airborne troops held Swift Eagle 2026 joint training. Could you please provide more details?

Zhang Xiaogang: Chinese and Belarusian airborne troops held Swift Eagle 2026 joint training at an air force training base in Hubei Province. The joint training was conducted in three phases: basic skills training, coordinated specialized training, and a comprehensive exercise. The participating troops were organized into mixed groups to conduct joint urban counter-terrorism operations. They had force-on-force training covering reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance, seizure-and-control and defense, as well as clearing and consolidation. The troops also jointly conducted combat firing, unmanned systems employment, and parachute infiltration training. The joint training has facilitated mutual learning of combat skills and strategies, effectively validating the two militaries' capabilities in coordinated command and joint counter-terrorism operations.

Journalist: According to data published by Taiwan's defense authorities, their troops have detected 1,334 sorties of PLA military aircraft in the first half of this year. The number has fallen by more than half year-on-year. During this period, the PLA has not carried out any large military exercises around the island. But the Chinese government vessels have stepped up their operations in the waters around Taiwan. Some analysts believe that the Chinese mainland is exercising its jurisdiction over the waters around Taiwan through maritime law enforcement and science surveys. Additionally, this is the first time in three decades that Taiwan's military has included a drill simulating a PLA strike from waters off eastern Taiwan in its annual "Han Kuang exercise". May I have your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: China's national reunification is an overwhelming historical trend. As we build a great country and advance national rejuvenation, we will enhance our capability to resolve the Taiwan question and have stronger capabilities and more reliable means at our disposal. No matter how many exercises they carry out, the doomed fate of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces can never be changed. The PLA will temper and sharpen its combat capabilities, serve as a powerful guarantee for national reunification, resolutely smash any "Taiwan independence" separatist plot, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Journalist: I have two questions. The first one: Recently, the animated short video series "Sunshine Recruitment, Walking the Journey Together" was released on Xinhua Net, People's Daily Online, CCTV News, and platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou, drawing wide discussion and attention among netizens. Could you share more details about that? The second question: The film Once Upon a Time in the Middle East is currently a blockbuster. It places emphasis on children affected by war and triggers people's aspiration for peace. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: Answer to your first question: A strong country requires a strong military, and only a strong military can secure the nation. The Recruitment Office under the Ministry of National Defense has recently launched the animated short video series titled "Sunshine Recruitment, Walking the Journey Together," featuring two cartoon characters, Xiao Qing and Xiao Nian. The series adopts a simple Q&A format to address pressing concerns such as how to register, what the physical examination entails, and how recruits are selected. It breaks down key policies, procedure rules, and basic knowledge in an accessible manner, while explicitly outlining the strict integrity and discipline requirements for the recruitment process. Serving as a concise operational manual, these videos are designed to help aspiring young people navigate the enlistment process smoothly and successfully.

Performing military service in accordance with the law is the honorable duty of every eligible citizen. Recruitment in the new era is becoming increasingly transparent and above board. A world-class military calls for first-rate talent. We encourage outstanding young people to answer the call of the times, join the vibrant ranks of the armed forces, and contribute their wisdom and youth to the cause of building a strong military.

Answer to your second question: Some say the core message of this film is to cherish peace and live well. It tells us that true strength lies not in defeating countless opponents, but in protecting more people from war, sparing them from displacement, and enabling them to live a peaceful and stable life.

Journalist: According to Taiwan media, the first two single-seat fighters from the 66 brand-new F-16V Block 70 jets the DPP authorities in the Taiwan region bought from the US under the so-called "Feng Xiang Project" are about to be handed over to the Taiwan side. What's your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: China firmly opposes US arms sales to China's Taiwan region. This position is consistent and unequivocal. "Taiwan independence" is utterly incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait. Arming Taiwan to abet "Taiwan independence" separatists will only lead to playing with fire and getting burned, and leave them to taste the bitter fruit of their own making. We urge the US side to honor the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiqués, particularly the August 17th Communiqué of 1982, stop arming Taiwan in whatever form, and stop disrupting cross-Strait peace and stability.

Journalist: It was reported that Japan's Ministry of Defense will be largely expanded and establish three new departments in 2027. The Japanese side also plans to equip its unmanned underwater vehicle with long-range missiles. Additionally, Japan reached an agreement with Australia on the test of its hypersonic missile in Australia. What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Everyone knows the fact that, Japan, as a defeated country of WWII, is prohibited from obtaining offensive weapons by the Potsdam Proclamation and Japan's pacifist Constitution itself. In recent years, Japan has accelerated its "remilitarization" and openly expanded its military arsenal. These dangerous moves bear striking resemblance to efforts made by the militarist regime in preparing and launching wars in WWII. As a warmongering and aggressive power in the past, Japan has never genuinely reflected on its historical crimes. If it were allowed to rearm and become a "war-capable state," the tragic history may well repeat itself. The international community needs to see through the dangerous agenda pursued by Japan's right-wing forces, firmly contain reckless moves of Japan's "neo-militarism," and resolutely safeguard regional peace and stability.

Journalist: According to media reports, a Lightfish unmanned surface vessel operated by the US tech company Seasats recently captured close-range footage of a PLA Navy Type 052D destroyer in waters off the northwest of Luzon, the Philippines, recording relevant data of the Chinese warship. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: Every petty move by the relevant side is under our full control. Military security brooks no violation. Should any party cross the line and play with fire, it will bear the consequences on its own.

Journalist: According to media reports, after nearly 50 days of supplies shortage, the Philippine vessel, BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), which has been illegally "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao, received a new batch of daily supplies. The Philippine side repeatedly attempted to use such resupply missions as a cover to smuggle in reinforcement materials to permanently settle the vessel on the reef. What's your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao. Guided by our three-point principled position on handling the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, the Chinese side reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippines on the humanitarian resupply of living necessities. If the Philippine side attempts to deliver construction materials and build fixed facilities or a permanent outpost, the Chinese side will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with laws and regulations. The Philippine side should tow away BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), which is unlawfully "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao, and stop all provocative acts. The Chinese side is firmly committed to safeguarding its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and steadfast in upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Journalist: Recently the Philippines repeatedly stirred up trouble in the South China Sea. Three Philippine light aircraft illegally intruded into China's territorial airspace over Huangyan Dao on August 21, and the PLA Southern Theater Command sent naval and air forces to track and monitor the aircraft and issue verbal warnings in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. It has been widely noted that after repeated setbacks in maritime provocations, the Philippines shows indications of conducting related action in airspace. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: The PLA Southern Theater Command has released a statement in response. China’s resolution and will are unwavering in defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We will never allow any attempt to count on external forces to stir up trouble in the South China Sea or make provocations to succeed. We will always maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.