Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on July 29

By Senior Colonel Wu Qian, Director General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers reporters' questions at a regular press conference on July 29, 2021.(Photo:mod.gov.cn)

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

First, I would like to announce two pieces of news.

The first is that the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation jointly announced that, according to the consensus reached by the two sides, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will participate in the Exercise Xibu Unity-2021 to be held in China in early and mid-August.

It is planned that the exercise will be held at the PLAA Qingtongxia Combined Tactical Training Base in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China, under the theme of jointly safeguarding regional security and stability. The two sides will establish a joint command post. The Chinese contingent will mainly come from the PLA Western Theater Command, while the Russian side will mainly come from its Eastern Military District. A total of more than 10,000 troops will be dispatched by the two sides, along with multiple types of aircraft, artillery and armored equipment. The two sides’ contingents will be mixed into teams to make plan jointly and conduct training together, in a bid to verify and improve the troops’ capabilities of joint reconnaissance, search and early warning, electronic information attack, and joint strike and elimination.

The exercise is aimed to consolidate and develop the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, deepen the practical cooperation and traditional friendship between the two militaries, and further demonstrate the two sides’ resolve and capability to fight against terrorist forces and jointly safeguard regional peace and security.

The second is about the Cobra Gold 2021 multi-national exercise on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to be held in Thailand from July 30 to August 3. The Chinese PLA Army is invited to participate in the exercise via video link. Exercise subjects include flood and earthquake relief, de-confliction mechanism, and civilian protection.

Question: In his speech at the Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping stressed that the people’s military has made indelible achievements on behalf of the Party and the people. It is a strong pillar for safeguarding our socialist country and preserving national dignity, and a powerful force for protecting peace in our region and beyond. On the journey ahead, we must fully implement the Party’s thought on strengthening the military in the new era as well as the military strategic guideline for the new era, and elevate the people’s armed forces to world-class standards, so that we are equipped with greater capacity and more reliable means for safeguarding our national sovereignty, security, and development interests. What approaches and measures has the military adopted in studying and implementing the important speech by President Xi?

Answer: The important speech was delivered by President Xi on July 1, a significant moment of the CPC’s 100th anniversary and a critical juncture when the two centenary (centenary of the CPC and centenary of the People’s Republic of China) periods converged. Reviewing our glorious history and looking into the bright future, the speech is a Marxist programmatic document, a political declaration of CPC members in the new era staying true to the original aspiration and the founding mission of the Party and a guide to action for the Party to unite and lead the people to learn from history and create a better future. It is of great political, theoretical and practical significance for that it inspires the Party, the armed forces, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to make unremitting efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects and fulfill the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

The General Office of the Central Military Commission (CMC) recently issued a notice asking military organizations at all levels to make studying, publicizing and implementing President Xi’s speech on July 1 a major political task both for now and for some time to come. It calls for further aligning the thoughts and actions in work, strengthening our consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; reaffirming confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and upholding General Secretary Xi Jinping’s core position in the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upholding the Party Central Committee’s authority and its centralized and unified leadership. It also demands the whole military to implement the CMC chairman responsibility system and follow the command of the CPC Central Committee, the CMC and Chairman Xi in all actions.

First, deepening study and education. Military organizations at all levels shall take studying President Xi Jinping’s July 1 speech as a top priority in the current theoretical education and a key part of the Party history study and education, further study and comprehend the speech through Party committee meetings, study sessions of the Party committee theory learning center group, cadres training inrotation, etc., and incorporate the study of the speech in the political theory teaching at military academies while carrying out educational activities at Party and military history venues in the military, so as to truly understand the essence and gist of the speech.

Second, strengthening publicity and interpretation. The PLA has held a seminar on celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, organized expert teams to provide “menu-style” services in giving lectures on Party history study and education. Military units at all levels have carried out tailored, and interactive publicity to difference audiences when providing theory tutorial service for primary-level units. Convergence media is adopted for all-aroundpublicity and interpretation, artistic performances and other cultural activities are staged extensively, and the building of military history museums as well as the political and cultural environment in military units is being promoted in a down-to-earth manner, so as to create an atmosphere for studying, promoting and implementing President Xi’s speech.

Third, concentrating on combat preparedness. Focusing on its main duties, the military shall take strong measures to foster the fighting spirit of the service members, inspire the officers and soldiers to be confident and dare to fight and win, and cultivate new-type, high-caliber and professional military personnel. The PLA shall further promote military training transformation, implementdevelopment plans, accelerate sci-tech innovation, so as to implement the spirit of President Xi’s speech with actualwork of combat preparedness.

Fourth, strengthening Party organizations. The military shall faithfully implement relevant institutions, enhance Party member team building, work hard to improve Party conduct and enforce Party discipline, effectively implement the spirit of the CMC meeting on Party building and the CMC meeting on the development of primary-level military units, urge the service members to stay true to the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission, better fulfill their duties, and dedicate themselves to the cause of building a strong military in the new era, so as to bring greater glory to the Party and the people.

Question: It is reported that leaders of political parties and governments in many countries have warmly congratulated on the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in various ways. Please brief us on the congratulations from foreign defense and military leaders to the Chinese side.

Answer: On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, more than 30 defense ministers, chiefs of general staff and other military leaders of Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, the DPRK, Mongolia, Indonesia, Namibia, Syria, Belarus, Fiji, Cuba, etc. have extended their congratulations and best wishes to China through letters or phone calls.

The leaders of foreign defense ministries and militaries expressed that the CPC has made incredible achievements by leading the Chinese people to gain national independence, achieve prosperity, improve the people’s well-being and accomplish the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The CPC has created the “Chinese miracle” in human history.

Over recent years, the Chinese PLA has actively provided the international community with public security goods and made major contributions to world peace and stability as a strong defender of global security and a reliable partner for cooperation. They sincerely wish that the CPC and PLA will carry on their fine traditions and embrace the second centenary goal with more glorious achievements.

Question: It is learnt that the new emblem of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force (PAP) will be officially launched soon. Please give more details about the new emblem.

Answer: With the approval of the Central Military Commission, the PAP will start using the emblem on August 1, 2021. Article 28 of the National Defense Law of the People’s Republic of China coming into effect on January 1, 2021 stipulates that “the flag and emblem of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force are the symbols of the PAP”. The official launch of the PAP emblem aims to inspire the PAP troops to fulfill their mission and tasks in the new era and serve as the loyal guards of the Party and the people forever.

Question: Please describe what the PAP emblem is like and expound on its design and meanings.

Answer: The design of the PAP emblem is shown in the photo attached. At its center is the national emblem, indicating that the PAP is an important part of the armed forces of the People’s Republic of China. With the PAP flag as the background, it reflects the uniformity of the flag and the emblem, and represents that the PAP is under the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission. The shield and the Great Wall symbolize the PAP’s effective fulfil of its mission and tasks in the new era, and the surrounding olive branches stand for peace and stability.

Question: It is reported that the Chinese military will participate in the International Army Games 2021 abroad and host some of the events in China from late August to early September. Please tell us more about it.

Answer: With the approval of the CMC, the Chinese PLA will host certain events of the International Army Games (IAG) 2021 in China from August 22 to September 4, and will also send contingents to participate in other events in Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Iran.

China will host three events in Korla, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, namely the “Suvorov Attack” contest for infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) teams, “Clear Sky” contest for man-portable air defense missile teams, and “Safe Environment” contest for nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance teams. Militaries of Russia, Belarus, Egypt, Iran, Venezuela and Vietnam will send contingents to participate in the events held in China.

The Chinese troops will participate in 17 events abroad. In Russia, China will participate in 12 events: “Tank Biathlon”, the competition among tank crews; “Elbrus Ring”, the competition among mountain infantry teams; “Army Scout Masters”, the competition among reconnaissance units; “Tactical Shooter”, the shooting competition among special forces; “Army of Culture”, the competition of artistic programs; “Sea Cup”, the competition among warship crews; “Seaborne Assault”, the competition among marines; “Aviadarts”, the competition among flight crews; “Airborne Platoon”, the competition among airborne platoons; “Meridian”, the competition among specialists of the military topographic service; “Masters of Armored Vehicles”, the competition among vehicle crews; and “Military Rally” , the competition among armored vehicle crews.

It will also participate in three events in Belarus, namely the “Sniper Frontier”, the competition among snipers, “Polar Star”, the competition among special forces units, and “Confident Reception”, the competition among military signalmen.

In addition, China will join “Military Medical Relay Race”, the competition among medical units in Uzbekistan, and “Depth”, the competition among military divers in Iran.

In recent years, the PLA has hosted and participated in the IAG many times, playing a positive role in deepening the friendship between the PLA and other participating militaries including Russian military, strengthening training exchanges, and improving real-combat capabilities. This year, China will continue to host some IAG events and participate in more events in Russia and other countries against the backdrop of the rampant pandemic. This will further tighten the ties between the Chinese military and its foreign counterparts, enhance military exchanges and cooperation, and improve the troops’ realistic training through mutual learning.

Question：The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) recently issued a report saying that China has been reinforcing its naval modernization effort in recent years, and it is conducting a growing number of operations in more-distant waters, including the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. The Chinese Navy is posing a major challenge to the US Navy, the first such challenge the U.S. Navy has faced since the end of the Cold War. Do you have any comment on that?

Answer: All along, the Chinese military has faithfully acted on the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, actively fulfilled the international responsibilities as a major country’s military and strived to provide more public security goods to the international community. The Chinese Navy has dispatched naval ships to the Gulf of Aden and the waters off the coast of Somalia to carry out regular vessel protection operations, and actively participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), such as assisting Indonesia in salvaging its sunken submarine. The hospital ship Peace Ark has performed multiple medical aid missions overseas. These are obvious facts to the international community.

The US hypes up the so-called "Chinese military threat" for no other reason but to create public opinion for suppressing and containing China and to make excuses for seeking its absolute military superiority. The words and deeds of the US illustrate its arrogance and prejudice of "forbidding others to do what it is doing itself”. China does not buy it. We ask the US to stop its wrongdoing, speak the truth, and stop telling lies.

Question: It is reported that the US Navy’s ocean surveillance ship USNS Victorious has been conducting high-intensity operations in the waters near the Xisha Islands since it entered the South China Sea in early June this year. Some analysts believed that the ship might have been used to monitor the activities of Chinese naval vessels, and therefore it is necessary to maintain a high degree of vigilance. What is China's comment on that?

Answer: Since the beginning of this year, the US military has strengthened its close-in reconnaissance on China, and its navy has conducted nearly 2,000 times of reconnaissance on China by air and sea in the South China Sea. Such actions of the US have harmed China's security interests, threatened the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, intensified the "militarization" of the South China Sea, and undermined regional peace and stability. We are firmly opposed to that. The Chinese military has been keeping a close watch on the US movements and will always be on high alert.

Question: Recently, it was exposed that the US used the Danish intelligence service to spy on the senior leaders of its allies. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the spying was just a tip of the iceberg. It was also reported that the US Cyber Command has recently substantially increased its budget for cyber intelligence operations and begun to form a new cyber mission force. Do you have any comment on this?

Answer: Relevant US agencies have long been carrying out large-scale, organized, and indiscriminate cyber theft, surveillance, and attacks on foreign governments, enterprises, and individuals. From WikiLeaks, Snowden revelations, Swiss Crypto AGscandal to the recently exposed spying by the US National Security Agency on the leaders of its European allies through Danish intelligence agencies, it has been proven time and again that the US is a recognized top empire of hacking and theft of secrets and the biggest threat to global cyber security.

In addition, the US has spared no effort to promote the militarization of cyberspace and vigorously developed cyber offensive forces. According to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, the US has developed more than 2,000 cyber weapons, making it the world's No.1 power in cyber weapons.

We call on the international community to jointly oppose the US cyber bullying and urge the US to explain its surveillance operations and stop creating tension and hostility in global cyberspace. China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty in cyberspace, information security and social stability.

Question: At present, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in the world, and new cases infected with the Delta variant have been found in many countries. Please brief us on the Chinese military's international cooperation in the fight against the pandemic since the outbreak.

Answer: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese military has faithfully acted on the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and actively participated in international cooperation in the fight against the pandemic. The leaders of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) have exchanged letters and calls on anti-pandemic cooperation with leaders of defense authorities and militaries from many countries. The Chinese military has carried out international cooperation with the militaries of more than 50 countries, through providing anti-pandemic medical supplies, dispatching military medical expert teams, and holding video conferences to share experience of pandemic prevention and control.

Since February this year, in order to deliver on President Xi Jinping's important pledge of making China's COVID-19 vaccine a global public good, the Chinese military has successively provided 25 batches of vaccine assistance to militaries of more than 20 countries, including Pakistan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Mongolia, the Philippines, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Laos, Lebanon, Hungary, Gabon, Ethiopia, North Macedonia, Zimbabwe, Serbia, Mauritania, Guinea, and Mozambique.

President Xi once quoted Chernyshevsky, a famous Russian thinker: "The path of history is not paved like Nevsky Prospekt; it runs across fields, either dusty or muddy, and cuts across swamps or forest thickets." Similarly, the global fight against the pandemic will not go smooth and will inevitably face various setbacks and hardships. But I firmly believe that as long as the people of all countries stand in unity and follow scientific practices to overcome difficulties together, we will be able to defeat the pandemic and usher in a better future.

Question: According to Australian media reports, the navies of seven countries including the US, Australia, Canada, and Japan started the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 in mid-July. The Australian military noticed that two Chinese PLA surveillance ships approached Australia’s eastern coast. Australian Defense Minister said that the Australian side was paying close attention to that. What is China's comment on that?

Answer: The Chinese vessels' sailing on the high seas conforms to relevant international laws and international practices, and is completely legitimate and legal. We hope that the Australian side will not get so fussy and respect China's rights entitled by international laws in relevant waters.

Question: US President Joe Biden announced that the US would complete the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan on August 31, which caused great turbulence in Afghanistan’s security. Some foreign media commented that as the US withdraws its troops, China may become the next major country attempting to shape the future of Afghanistan. Do you have any comment on this?

Answer: China and Afghanistan are traditional friendly neighbors. In President Xi Jinping’s phone call with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on July 16, he stressed that China would firmly support the Afghan government in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and always believe that political dialogue is the fundamental way to achieve national reconciliation and lasting peace in Afghanistan. China will continue to support the "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" principle, the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, and an early peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan.

The security situation in Afghanistan has continued to deteriorate since the US announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan. Facts have proven time and again that the US is the world’s largest mess maker and a world-renowned "blame-shifter." The US is the initiator of the Afghan issue and bears an inescapable responsibility for the current situation in Afghanistan. The US cannot walk away from the mess and pass the buck to other regional countries. The US should shoulder its due responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition in Afghanistan and avoid chaos and wars caused by the withdrawal.

Question: Leaders of the Royal Cambodian Armed Force recently sent congratulatory messages to the Chinese side on the centenary of the Communist Party of China. Could you please give us more details on the mil-to-mil relationship between China and Cambodia?

Answer: The Chinese and Cambodian armed forces are good brothers and good friends who help each other. Some Chinese netizens refer to Cambodia as “steel brother”, describing that the China-Cambodia friendship is as strong as steel. In recent years, under the leadership and promotion of President Xi Jinping and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the two countries have witnessed in-depth development in their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and the two militaries have maintained sound exchanges and cooperation in the fields of military training, personnel training, and exchanges between services and arms.

First, China and Cambodia have maintained frequent high-level exchanges. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, senior leaders of the two militaries have kept close communication and coordination through video meetings, phone calls and letters. General Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia, General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Cambodian Royal Armed Forces (RCAF), and NemSowath, Director-General of the General Department of Policy and Foreign Affairs under the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia, have recently sent messages of congratulations to the Chinese side on the centenary of the Communist Party of China.

Second, China and Cambodia have carried out anti-epidemic cooperation. The Chinese government and military have sent medical expert teams to Cambodia and provided anti-epidemic medical supplies and vaccines in multiple batches; and the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia also assisted China by offering anti-epidemic supplies at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in China last year, which testifies the sincere friendship between the two countries and the two militaries in standing together and helping each other.

Third, China and Cambodia have maintained exchanges in specialized fields. In March last year, the “Golden Dragon 2020” China-Cambodia Joint Military Exercise was successfully held in Cambodia. This was the only live-fire exercise conducted by the Chinese military with foreign troops during the COVID-19 pandemic last year, a fine example of the high-level cooperation between the two militaries. In June this year, the Chinese and Cambodian armed forces held the first video seminar on defense white papers, marking the debut of the Chinese military’s exchange on defense white papers with a foreign counterpart.

In the future, the Chinese military will join hands with its Cambodian counterpart to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and maintain practical cooperation between the two militaries in various fields to take the mil-to-mil relationship to a new high and make new progress.

Question: It’s reported that from August this year, the eligible service members will receive the subsidy for parental living expenses and spouse’s honorary subsidy. Could you please confirm this and give us more details?

Answer: The service members shoulder the sacred duty and glorious mission of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as the peaceful labor of the Chinese people. The military service is an occupation that enjoys public respect. Due to the need to fulfill missions and responsibilities, the occupation of military service is characterized by high risk, high intensity, high mobility, and great efforts. The military families, therefore, make big sacrifices. The establishment and adjustment of the welfare system for the military families this time is conducive to demonstrating the honor and respect formilitary service and highlighting the care and incentives from the state and military for the special contributions made by the military families. It will surely further inspire all the officers and soldiers to contribute to the cause of building a strong military and concentrate on combat preparedness.

Question: According to media reports, the US has frequently colluded with Taiwan recently, as shown by the US congress promoting Taiwan-related legislation, the false statements repeatedly made by the US officials about Taiwan, and the landing of a US military transport plane in Taiwan on July 15. At the same time, the PLA has continuously increased the intensity of military operations in the Taiwan Strait. What’s your comment, please?

Answer: Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and the One-China Principle is the political foundation of China-US relations. The US has violated international law and the basic norms of international relations through irresponsible remarks and deeds, gravely interfered in China’s internal affairs, seriously harmed China’s territorial sovereignty and security interests, and severely threathened the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, to which China is strongly opposed. China has solemnly informed the US that those who play with fire would set themselves on fire and the “salami-slicing” approach taken by the US on the Taiwan question would sure cut itself. China urged the US to abide by the One-China Principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués, stop all provocative acts, and send no wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. Otherwise, the US will have to bear all serious consequences caused. Furthermore, China warned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities not to misjudge the situation, borrow strength from foreign forces and invite the wolf into the house as a result. “Relying on the US to seek independence” will only lead to a dead end, harming both the Taiwan people and the DPP itself.

China must and will get reunified. No one should underestimate the Chinese people’s determination and strong ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese PLA has always been on high alert and will take all necessary measures to resolutely smash any separatist plots or actions for “Taiwan independence”.

Question: It was reported that the UK’s HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group, recently holding a joint exercise with the US, Japan and other countries in the Gulf of Aden, has now entered the South China Sea. Another report said that the British Secretary of State for Defense stated during his visit to Japan that the British military would permanently deploy two warships in Asian waters. What’s your comment on this?

Answer: Thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the current situation in the South China Sea maintains overall stability and is turning for the better. China respects the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea enjoyed by ships of all countries in accordance with the international law, but firmly opposes some countries’ provocative actions by sending warships from thousands of miles away to show off their presence in the region. The Chinese military will resolutely take all necessary and effective countermeasures.

Regarding the UK-Japan defense cooperation, China believes that it should neither target any third party nor interfere with the efforts of regional countries in maintaining peace and stability.

Question: Not long ago, General Wei Fenghe, Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister, stated at the 8th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) via video link that China would take an active part in the cooperation within the mechanism and make greater contributions to maintaining regional peace and stability. What is the recent cooperation between China and ASEAN countries under this mechanism?

Answer: China has been firmly supporting ASEAN-centered regional defense and security mechanisms, and proactively participated in the cooperation under the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). In June, General Wei Fenghe, Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister, attended the 8th ADMM-Plus via video link. Recently, Chinese military representatives participated in the video conference of the Experts' Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism and Maritime Security within the framework of the mechanism, and held consultations with Cambodia as co-chairs of the Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action. In these activities, Chinese representatives made active suggestions, shared experiences, advocated a global security concept featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, which was widely recognized by all parties, and achieved the goal of enhancing mutual trust and promoting cooperation.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations. The Chinese military will continue to actively participate in ASEAN-related defense and security cooperation mechanisms at all levels and in various fields, and make greater contributions to the development of China-ASEAN strategic partnership and regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Question: Recently, a travel blogger has been placed under investigation after he damaged the reputation and honor of the border-defending heroes by publishing on social media his photos improperly taken in front of the grave monuments at the Kangsiwa Martyrs Cemetery, which has triggered widespread public anger. Do you have any comment on this?

Answer: Heroes are the backbone and the vanguard of a nation. Actions of blaspheming heroes and violating laws will never be tolerated. According to the law, those who damage the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs shall bear corresponding civil, administrative, or criminal liability. Any deed of defaming heroes will get morally condemned or even severely punished by law.

Question: Recently, some students shared online their admission notices of military academies. There were reports stating that some military academies' admissions failed to meet expectations. Please brief us on the details.

Answer: This year’s admissions of military academies following the national College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) have been wrapped up with a completion rate of 99.6 % in line with the plan. Students admitted this year outperformed those admitted in the previous years. Nearly 100,000 outstanding students signed up for political assessment, physical examination and interview, while 13,000 of them will have been admitted according to the admission plan. Judging from the results of Gaokao, 100 % of the students admitted to military academies score higher than the corresponding provincial admission line for the top tier universities, and 80 % of them are among the top 5 % students in each province. For instance, the average admission score for the National University of Defense Technology has exceeded the provincial admission line for the top tier universities by more than 120 points, despite the 70 % increase of enrollment in this year’s admission plan. It should be noted that as some candidates may fail to reach the physical and psychological standards of military academies, a small number of students will get admitted through college reapplication. This routine mechanism aims at allowing more candidates to have the opportunity to join military academies. It is not a sign of applicant shortage or "unpopularity of military academies".

The military is a melting pot and also a big family. The students who are about to enter the military academies are warmly welcomed. Born in the times of peace and prosperity, you are expected to hone yourselves and live up to the times, because, in this fast-changing era, there will be no gains if you resign to fate. Excellence can only be achieved through strenuous efforts. Come on, young men!

Question: In recent days, heavy rains fell in Central China’s Henan Province, causing serious waterlogging, mudslides and landslides in many places across the province, which has seriously threatened the people’s lives and property. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and People’s Armed Police (PAP) dispatched troops immediately for emergency rescue and disaster relief. Please brief us on the details.

Answer: In recent days, Henan Province encountered days of torrential rain, which caused heavy casualties and property losses. The flood control situation is grim. Chinese President Xi Jinping made an important instruction on flood control and disaster-relief, demanding the PLA and PAP troops to proactively assist local departments in emergency rescue and disaster relief.

When a disaster happens, a command is issued. And the disaster-hit area is another battlefield for the military. The PLA and PAP troops, as well as the militia and reserve personnel, rushed to the disaster-hit areas to carry out emergency rescue and disaster relief. As of July 28, the military has sent to the rescue operations in Shanghai, Henan, Zhejiang and Jiangsu a total of more than 72,130 military personnel and 83,906 militia personnel, 48 sorties of plane (helicopter), 9,801 vehicles (engineering vehicles) and 1,492 boats. They have assisted in relocating more than 210,000 people from the disaster-hit areas, providing medical treatment to 7,860 people, dredging 21 kilometers of rivers, filling over 1,400,000 sandbags, strengthening dams and river banks of 110-odd kilometers, restoring roads of 430-odd kilometers, and transporting 170,000 pieces of materials.

The Chinese military is the people’s military, and serving the people wholeheartedly is the fundamental purpose of the Chinese military. Keeping in mind President Xi’s instructions and performing the duties of serving the people, all officers and soldiers of the Chinese military will resolutely complete the flood-fighting and disaster relief tasks assigned by the Party and the people. composing, in the storms and torrents, a heroic chapter of the people’s military caring and sacrificing for the people in the new era.

The 94th anniversary of the founding of the PLA is around the corner. Over the past 94 years, under the strong leadership of the CPC, the heroic people’s military has gone through wars and difficult times, achieving great merit for both the Party and the people. History tells us that it is an irrefutable truth revealed through the Party’s arduous struggles that the Party must command the gun and build a people’s military of its own.

Under the banner of the Party, the people’s military is becoming stronger and invincible. The PLA will rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and continue to enhance the political work of the military, strengthen the military through reform, technology and talent cultivation, and run the military in accordance with law. The Chinese military will comprehensively improve its strategic capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and work tirelessly to realize the Party’s goal of building a strong military in the new era and fully transform our people’s armed forces into world-class forces!