Ministry of National Defense

By Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, Deputy Director General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND

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

I have one piece of news to announce at the top.

Since the successful conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), 12 military colleges and universities, including the PLA Army Engineering University, the PLA Naval Command College and the PLA Air Force Medical University, have organized activities to introduce the major achievements and significance of the congress for around 300 international military students from 43 countries, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Benin, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The military schools organized seminars, lectures, reading clubs and keynote speeches and invited international students to share their study and living experience and what they have learned and achieved in China from two different perspectives, namely "observing the world in China" and "observing China with a world view". International students from many countries expressed their congratulations on the success of the 20th CPC National Congress, and their appreciation and recognition of China's commitment to the path of peaceful development and the Chinese military's commitment to world peace. They also expressed willingness to be envoys of peace for their respective countries who know China and are friendly to China.

Question: At the beginning of this year, President Xi Jinping issued the annual training order to the armed forces. He emphasized that to transform and upgrade military training and build capable forces that can fight and win, the military should closely follow how technology and warfare evolve and what the opponents are doing, and promote greater coupling of operations and training with a systematic approach and technological application. Please share with us the general situation and features of the military training in 2022 and its features.

Answer: In 2022, following the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission (CMC), the military focused on improving combat readiness and continued to advance the projects of developing military training conditions in the 14th Five Year Plan to promote the transformation and upgrade of military training.

First, we have stepped up the efforts to promote greater coupling of operations and training, regularized front-line military training, improved military preparedness and deterrence, and enhanced capabilities of responding to real security threats at any time.

Second, the systematic approach to training has been refined. We have incorporated more political elements into strategic training which are more practical, flexible, and diversified, explored ways to organize and evaluate joint training at the theater command level in accordance with operational plans, and improve training in services and arms to provide a better support for joint operations and operation systems. The capability of the military for joint operations and all-domain operations based on the network information system has been further strengthened.

Third, technological application has improved the quality and efficiency of training. We have widely applied new concepts, technologies and means in training and promoted the use of training bases, simulation systems and online platforms. High technologies have been increasingly used as a way to diversify training methods and adjust to the evolution of warfare and opponents.

Fourth, the training conditions have been continuously improved. We have made great efforts to advance projects in the 14th Five Year Plan, pushed forward the construction of training bases and facilities and simulated blue forces. The overall layout of supportive infrastructure has been optimized, providing effective support for realistic training.

Question: It is reported that the Chinese military recently organized the "Constitution Publicity Week" themed "learning, publicizing and implementing the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and promoting the comprehensive implementation of the Constitution". Please share with us more information.

Answer: December 4, 2022 marks the 9th National Constitution Day, and also the 40th anniversary of the promulgation of China's current Constitution. Following the decision of the 20th CPC National Congress on "carrying out intensive activities to raise public awareness of the rule of law", the military took advantage of the "Constitution Publicity Week" and made great efforts to popularize constitutional and legal knowledge, and improve the legal literacy of officers and soldiers. There are three things I’d like to mention.

First, in terms of the main contents, we prioritized studying and publicizing Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, implementing the CMC chairman responsibility system, popularized the historical significance of the Constitution in the past 40 years, and relevant laws and regulations on supporting military operations, performing military duties, and protecting rights and interests of military personnel.

Second, in terms of the methods, we combined online and offline means to promote seven types of law popularization products, such as video animation, posters, and brochures on network platforms including military websites and APPs. We used regional educational bases for the rule of law and legal service stations and sent over 100 lecturers in small groups to primary level units for law popularization.

Third, in terms of the effectiveness of law popularization, we focused on both legal knowledge and real problem solution, and promoted the integration of the publicity and education on rule of law into military governance. To improve the quality and effectiveness of law popularization, we have properly handled legal disputes through a comprehensive use of legal aid, military-related rights protection, and public interest litigation, and answered more than 1,500 legal consultations from officers and soldiers.

Good laws ensure good governance, by which the state can enjoy stability. The military will fully implement the strategy of running the military in accordance with law, continue to advance the 8th five-year plan on publicity and education on the rule of law, promote law-based strict governance in the military in every respect, and accelerate the "three fundamental changes" in the governance of the military, so as to provide a strong legal guarantee for achieving the military’s centenary goal.

Question: President Xi Jinping recently paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia and attended the first China-Arab States Summit and the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. During the trip, President Xi proposed the eight major initiatives on China-Arab practical cooperation, which includes the cooperation initiative on security and stability. What will the Chinese military do to strengthen defense and security cooperation with the Arab countries?

Answer: The Chinese military and the militaries of Arab countries are important forces for maintaining world peace and stability. In recent years, China-Arab military relations have enjoyed rapid and sound development. The two sides have cooperated in good faith, built stronger strategic mutual trust and friendship, and achieved fruitful results in high-level exchanges, exchanges between services and arms, joint exercises and training, equipment and technological cooperation, and personnel training.

The Chinese military is ready to work with the militaries of Arab countries to implement the consensus reached in the China-Arab States Summit, work together to advance the Global Security Initiative, continue to deepen practical exchanges and cooperation, build a China-Arab community of shared future in the new era, and make new contributions to world peace and development.

Question: Recently, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao president. In the meeting, President Xi underscored that the two sides should consolidate the foundation of security, jointly safeguard political security, and promote law-enforcement and defense cooperation. The China-Laos joint statement also mentioned strengthening defense and security cooperation and jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability. Please share more with us about the defense cooperation between the two militaries.

Answer: China and Laos are connected by the same mountains and rivers and are good neighbors, friends, comrades and partners who trust each other. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two parties and two countries, China and Laos have made solid progress in building a China-Laos community of shared future. In recent years, the China-Laos military relations have continued to grow. The two sides maintained frequent high-level interactions and achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation such as political work exchanges, joint exercises and training, medical service, personnel training and border defense exchanges. State Councilor and Minister of National Defense General Wei Fenghe recently held talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath on the sidelines of the 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). The two defense leaders had an in-depth discussion on issues of common interest.

The plumerias always bloom and the brotherhood always exists. To make new contributions to building a China-Laos community of shared future and promoting regional peace and stability, the Chinese military is willing to work with the Lao military to implement the important consensus of the party and state leaders, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries in various fields, and support each other as always.

Question: It is reported that the Fifth China-Latin American and the Caribbean States （LAC）Defense Forum was recently held via video link. Please share more with us about the event and China-LAC defense cooperation.

Answer: From December 13 to 14, the Fifth China-Latin American and the Caribbean States Defense Forum was successfully held in Beijing via video link. State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe attended the event and made a keynote speech. More than 60 defense and military leaders, senior representatives and experts from 24 LAC countries attended the event and made exchanges under the theme of "Peace and Cooperation". The event has the following outcomes.

First, it built stronger understanding. The Chinese side briefed the participants on the major achievements and significance of the 20th CPC National Congress, and helped LAC countries better understand China's path and philosophy. Both sides agreed to work together to implement the Global Security Initiative and jointly safeguard world and regional peace and security. Second, it deepened strategic mutual trust. The high-level dialogues and academic exchanges at the forum further deepened the strategic communication between China and LAC countries. Both sides expressed their willingness to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and the security interests of developing countries. Third, it consolidated the consensus on cooperation. During the forum, the two sides discussed new ideas and measures for defense cooperation, and added new connotations to the community of shared future between China and LAC countries.

In recent years, under the guidance of the leaders of China and LAC countries, the two sides have made continued progress in military exchanges and cooperation including mutual visits, professional exchanges and personnel training, and explored cooperation in non-traditional security fields. China is willing to continue to work with the defense departments and armed forces of LAC countries to strengthen strategic communication, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and strive to form a new pattern of all-round, multi-tiered and wide-ranging defense cooperation between China and LAC countries.

Question: According to the PLA Daily, in 2022, the Chinese military acted on the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, made efforts to fulfill the international responsibilities as the military of a major country, actively carried out international military cooperation and achieved fruitful results. Please share with us more on this.

Answer: The year 2022 is of great significance in the history of the CPC and China. The 20th CPC National Congress was held successfully, and China has embarked on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Chinese military has promoted international military cooperation in line with Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, comprehend the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and defining the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and implement the CMC chairman responsibility system. To achieve the Party’s goal of building a strong military for the new era, the Chinese military focused on improving combat readiness and made pioneering efforts in international military cooperation, which made a positive contribution to defending China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests, safeguarding world peace and stability, and serving the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

First, international military cooperation serves the overall political and diplomatic interests of China. Since early 2022, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping's head-of-state diplomacy, other CMC leaders have held meetings, talks or video calls with defense and military leaders of Russia, the United States, Cambodia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other countries to put into practice the achievements of head-of-state diplomacy in the military field. The Chinese military hosted the reception for the 95th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, the second China-Africa Peace and Security Forum Ministerial Meeting, and the Fifth China-Latin American and the Caribbean States Defense Forum. During these events, the Chinese side actively introduced the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, and major initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping such as the Global Security Initiative and a community with a shared future for mankind. These efforts have enhanced understanding of other countries on China's policies and positions.

Second, it serves to safeguard national sovereignty, dignity and core interests. In response to the provocative actions or rhetoric made by the United States and other countries on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns including Taiwan and the South China Sea, in addition to having resolute military operations to safeguard national sovereignty and security, the Chinese military also made solemn representations, performed countermeasures and punishments, and issued timely spokesperson remarks to make clear our attitudes and positions.

Third, it focuses on the military’s main responsibility of improving combat readiness. The Chinese military organized or participated in various joint exercises and training, international military games and joint patrols including Vostok-2022, China-Russia joint strategic air patrol, Joint Sea-2022, Falcon Strike-2022, and International Army Games-2022, which helped the Chinese military to deepen mutual trust and cooperation with the militaries of relevant countries, and played a positive role in improving realistic training.

Fourth, it serves to effectively maintain overall strategic stability. Over the past year, the Chinese military has faithfully implemented the Global Security Initiative, continued to deepen practical exchanges and cooperation between the militaries of China and Russia, and maintained the strategic cooperation between the two militaries at a high level. We have maintained the overall stability of the military relations between China and the United States, urged the US side to walk towards a same goal, implement the consensus of the heads of state, maintain smooth communication channels, properly handle disagreements and differences, and strengthen crisis management and control. We have maintained strategic communications between the defense departments and militaries of China and the EU. We have continuously deepened practical cooperation with neighboring countries in various fields, which played a positive role in promoting the building of a community of shared future with neighboring countries. We have strengthened defense and security cooperation with developing countries in Africa, Latin America and South Pacific. The Chinese military has also actively carried out cooperation in international arms control, and resolutely safeguarded China’s national strategic interests and global strategic stability.

Fifth, the Chinese military actively participated in global security governance. We participated in various institutional meetings including the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the ADMM-Plus, and the China-ASEAN Defense Ministers' Informal Meeting. We sent a senior military delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue, attended the Moscow International Security Conference and other multilateral dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. We held the first "Shared Vision" international peacekeeping forum, and Beijing Xiangshan Forum Webinar, which helped strengthen the voice and influence of the Chinese military in the world.

Sixth, it serves to build a community with a shared future for mankind. The PLA Navy's hospital ship Ark Peace visited Indonesia to carry out Mission Harmony-2022 in November and provided medical service to local people. PLA Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft carried out humanitarian relief missions in Tonga, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Chinese military also actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations and vessel protection operations in the Gulf of Aden, providing public security goods to the international community.

The Chinese military is embracing the world for peace. In the face of historic changes of our world and times, the Chinese military will, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and aimed at realizing the military’s centenary goal, continue to expand and deepen relations with foreign militaries and strengthen practical exchanges and cooperation, so as to make new and greater contributions to world peace and common development.

Question: It is reported that during a meeting between US and Chinese defense chiefs, the US defense secretary talked about the importance of resuming military dialogues between China and the US. A US deputy assistant secretary of defense said recently at a seminar that China's suspension of military dialogues due to Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan is not conducive to timely communication between the two militaries to dispel doubts and reduce miscalculation. What is your comment on this, please?

Answer: We have noted the relevant reports. Right and wrong should not be confused. China's cancellation of three exchanges between the two militaries was a necessary countermeasure against the deliberate action by the US side to created a major crisis and gravely harm China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The cause and effect are clear, and the US side knows that. The US side has issued a number of negative policy documents and legislation concerning China, kept playing up great-power competition and the so-called "China threat", and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs. These acts further damaged the foundation and atmosphere for communication and exchanges between the two militaries.

It should be noted that the Chinese side attaches great importance to the China-US military relations, and communications between the two militaries at the working level are not stopped. However, the US cannot expect China to resume dialogues and exchanges when it keeps harming China's interests. Moreover, the US side should not mislead the public on the cause and try to blame China for the cancellation of some military exchanges. It is simply not fair. If the US side truly wants to have positive and constructive dialogues with the Chinese side, it needs to show sincerity with real actions, respect China's core interests and major concerns, and create conditions and atmosphere for the military relations to return to the right track.

Question: It is reported that the Chinese and Russian navies recently held the Joint Sea-2022 exercise. Please share with us relevant information and main features of the exercise.

Answer: According to the annual plan for military cooperation between China and Russia, the two navies held a joint exercise codenamed Joint Sea-2022 in waters to the east of Zhoushan and Taizhou from December 21 to 27. Adopting the red-blue force-on-force approach, the two sides conducted joint training on blockade and control, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), air defense, rescue, and anti-submarine. The exercise reflected the level of strategic mutual trust and the depth of operational and tactical coordination between the two sides, and further deepened the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

The exercise has three features. First, it shows the close coordination between the two navies. The two sides sent surface warships, submarines, and naval aviation forces to predesignated waters and carried out maritime operations immediately after assembly at sea, which shows that the Chinese and Russian navies have formed a complete set of coordination methods, communication and liaison standards and joint training organization mechanism after 10 years of joint exercises. Second, it reflects the sense of responsibility of the two navies. With the exercise focusing on jointly protecting maritime security, the participating troop took diversified military operations to jointly protect strategic maritime passages, demonstrating the determination and ability of the two sides to jointly address maritime security threats and maintain international and regional peace and stability. Third, it reflects the professionalism and confidence of the two navies. The weather and sea conditions in the waters for the joint exercise have been adverse as affected by a cold wave. The vessels from both sides withstood the test of strong winds and waves, completed the established subjects with excellence while overcoming many difficulties in close cooperation, and demonstrated professional and tenacious conduct.

Question: It is reported that the PLA Navy recently held the “Maritime Community With a Shared Future” Forum for Commandants of International Naval Colleges and Academies at the PLA Naval Command College. Could you please share us more information about the forum?

Answer: From December 15 to 16, the PLA Navy held an international forum on the maritime community of shared future for commandants of naval colleges and academies via video link in Nanjing. The forum, under the theme of "Towards a Maritime Community of Shared Future: Educational Innovation, Opening-up and Cooperation Among Naval Academies", was hosted by the PLA Naval Command College. More than 50 representatives and military attachés from China and 27 countries attended the forum.

During the event, 29 Chinese and foreign schools had discussions on three topics, namely "function and orientation", "tradition and innovation", and "exchange and cooperation". The participants agreed that it is necessary to value and give full play to the important role of international cooperation among naval academies, strengthen exchanges in military education, and build a cooperation platform featured with "extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits". They underlined the importance to promote practical cooperation, carry out naval academic exchanges, expand the level and scope of cooperation, explore new ideas and measures for military talent cultivation, and promote defense and military modernization of respective countries. They said that in the face of the current complex and sensitive international situation, all parties should get better prepared in understanding and responding to changes, build consensus through cooperation, work hand in hand to address challenges, and make new and greater contributions to building a maritime community of shared future.

Question: It is reported that the Chinese military recently participated in relevant meetings of the Experts' Working Group (EWG) on Counter-terrorism and the EWG on Peacekeeping Operations under ADMM-Plus. Could you please introduce relevant information to us?

Answer: From December 6 to 7 and from December 13 to 14, the Chinese military sent delegates to participate in the regular meetings of the EWG on Counter-terrorism and the EWG on Peacekeeping Operations under the ADMM-Plus via video link. During the meetings, Chinese delegates shared their views and participated in the discussions. The meetings help deepen mutual trust and promote cooperation among participating countries.

The Chinese military will continue to actively participate in practical cooperation under the ADMM-Plus at all levels and in all fields, implement the Global Security Initiative with real actions, and make unremitting efforts to maintain regional peace and stability.

Question: It is reported that an international military personnel training webinar was recently held at the PLA Army Logistics Academy. Please tell us more about it.

Answer: The international military personnel training webinar was held at the PLA Army Logistics Academy from December 8 to 9. Nearly 100 participants from 17 countries gathered online and had extensive and in-depth discussions on the theme of “Challenges and Responses of International Military Personnel Training in the New Era ”. Achieving the expected goal of sharing experience, pooling wisdom and promoting cooperation, the webinar forged the consensus on tackling new challenges, building new platforms, and boosting new development, and proposed constructive ideas and methods for establishing training systems, innovating management models, and expanding international communication, which was conducive to strengthening the bond and enhancing the quality of international military personnel training in the new era.

Question: It is reported that the Commander of the US Space Command recently called China a pacing challenge to the US for its continuously growing capabilities that hold America’s space assets at risk. What’s your comment on that?

Answer: The US believes that anyone’s growing capabilities pose a threat to itself. The logic behind is unreasonable. It is actually only an excuse for the US to weaponize space, turn it into a battlefield, and seek space domination. China strongly opposes such actions to spread the “China threat theory” in the space domain.

In fact, China is committed to peaceful utilization of space and preventing space weaponization and arms race, and promoting international cooperation in space. Not long ago, China announced that its space station would be open to all UN member states in an effort to create a space “home” for all mankind. This decision has been highly commended by the international community. It stands in sharp contrast to what certain country has done, namely defining space as a war domain, forming a space command and a space force, aggressively developing and deploying offensive space weapons, and conducting frequent military exercises and technological experiments. It is very clear who is preserving peace and promoting cooperation and who is stirring up competition and clamoring for confrontation.

China urges the US side to reflect on its negative moves in the space domain, stop hyping up “China threat” and space confrontation, and take an active part in international space arms control. China stands ready to work with all countries and regions that are committed to the peaceful utilization of space to strengthen exchanges and deepen cooperation, promote a community of shared future for mankind, and make greater contributions to lasting peace and common security in space and the advancement of human civilization.

Question: It is reported that Japan has recently revised the National Security Strategy (NSS), the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and the Defense Buildup Program (DBP). The three security documents labeled China as an “unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge”. The documents say that Japan will possess “counterstrike capability” to strike missile launch sites on opponent’s territory, increase defense spending and include contents concerning the Taiwan question. Analysts say this marks a drastic shift in Japan’s post-WWII security policy. What’s your comment on that?

Answer: The China-related contents in these documents released by the Japanese government are fraught with distortions and biases. They deliberately exaggerate the so-called “China threat” and smear China’s defense and military development and normal military activities. They constitute a grave interference in China’s internal affairs and create regional tensions. China strongly opposes these contents.

Facts have proven that China is a partner and an opportunity to the development of other countries, and the Chinese military is a staunch force for world peace that has never challenged or threatened anyone. Japan, in contrast, has seriously violated its own pacificist constitution and “exclusively defense-oriented” policy in recent years. On the pretext of so-called external threats, it has massively increased defense spending, stepped up military technology research and development in such areas as space, missile defense and hypersonic weapons, and enhanced military cooperation with the US. It is seeking the so-called “counterstrike capability”, clamoring about “nuclear sharing” with the US, and following certain countries to build small group alliances targeting at others. Japan has become a real challenge to regional peace, security and stability.

Taiwan is China’s Taiwan, and the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. In the past, Japan waged an aggressive war against China, which inflicted untold sufferings to the Chinese people, including the compatriots in Taiwan. These agonies and pains are still fresh in our memory. Japan recognized in the four political documents between China and Japan that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government of China, and that it fully understands and respects the Chinese government’s stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The Taiwan question brooks no interference by Japan. What it should do is to remember history, reflect on its crimes, keep its commitments, and watch its words and deeds.

The next year will mark the 45th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship. History has told us that only when Japan sticks to peaceful development and truly respects other countries’ security concerns can it gain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. We urge the Japanese side to learn lessons from history, refrain from muddying the waters and pursuing selfish gains on Taiwan, do not walk the old beggar-thy-neighbor path that turns oneself into enemy of neighbors, and do more to preserve regional peace and stability.

Question: It is reported that the head of Taiwan’s foreign affairs department recently said that “military threats” from the mainland had become “unprecedentedly serious” as the number of military aircraft “trespassing into” Taiwan’s “air defense identification zone” has increased by five times since 2020. He said the mainland would find more excuses to rehearse attacks on Taiwan. What’s your comment on that?

Answer: The military operations conducted by the PLA are targeted at “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interference. The aim is defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such military operations will happen where there are people who betray their motherland and seek to split the country. Instead of counting how frequently or how many times PLA aircraft fly, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities had better face up to history and reality and recognize the overwhelming trend of national reunification and what the people wish for. They should reflect on what they have done wrong to court foreign support, seek “Taiwan independence” by force, heighten cross-Strait confrontation and damage the cross-Strait relations.

It is a sacred duty of the PLA to safeguard national sovereignty and deter “Taiwan independence” separatists. Always bearing in mind its missions, the PLA will continue to improve military preparedness, be ready to smash any form of “Taiwan independence” schemes and interference by external forces, and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As the year 2023 is just around the corner, I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year. Thank you for following China’s defense and military development in the past year, and for your trust and support for the press release of the Ministry of National Defense.

In the past year, China successfully held the 20th CPC National Congress, which made strategic arrangements for achieving the military’s centenary goal and defense and military modernization. The people’s military has strengthened training and enhanced military preparedness across the board and improved its strategic capabilities for defending China’s sovereignty, security and development interests. We have taken an active part in international peacekeeping operations, and maritime vessel protection and humanitarian assistance missions, making our efforts to promote a community of shared future for mankind and demonstrating the “warm power” of the military of a responsible major country.

In the past year, the MND Information Office has released important information, clarified policy positions and answered media queries through regular press conferences, and spokesperson’s statements and remarks to deliver the PLA’s voice in a comprehensive, timely and accurate manner. As a spokesperson for the MND and a messenger for the PLA, I’m fully aware of my responsibility in this position and feel proud of my mission of speaking on behalf of the country and the military. But this is not a solo that I stage and command on my own – the powerful forces behind me are the true source of our strength.

Right at this moment, my colleagues in the military are still on duty at their respective posts. They are on high mountains and in remote borders, missing their families far away. They may encounter freezing winters and life-and-death moments but they smile in all the harsh conditions. They believe as firmly as I do that the minute we put on the uniform and pick up the gun, we must always be ready for the call of duty. Though they are serving across the country, be it rivers or mountains or coasts, they are at home. Today, let’s take some time to hear their voices.

The year 2023 will be the first year of comprehensively implementing the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress. In the coming year, the people’s military will keep forging ahead with enterprise and fortitude, strive to achieve the military’s centenary goal, grow faster to become a world-class military, and achieve greater glories and victories on the new journey.