Defense Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Recent Media Queries

On the afternoon of May 16, Defense Ministry spokesperson Tan Kefei answered recent media queries concerning the military.

Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of May 16, 2023. (Photo/mod.gov.cn)

Question: The Chinese and New Zealand militaries recently had the 11th strategic dialogue in Xi’an. Please tell us more about the dialogue and the exchanges between the two militaries.

Answer: The 11th strategic dialogue between the Chinese and New Zealand militaries was held in Xi'an, China, on May 10. The two sides had a candid, in-depth and friendly exchange of views on regional security and other issues of common interest. They highly commented on the relationship between the two countries and two militaries, and expressed willingness to advance the mil-to-mil relationship under new circumstances. They also exchanged views on the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation, maritime and air security, and other issues. The dialogue has enhanced mutual understanding of the two sides.

Question: It is reported that Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a recent interview that the strategic military alliance between China and Russia is not in America's interests and the US will do whatever in its power to stop that from happening. What's your comment on that?

Answer: Under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, China and Russia have found a path of major-country relations featuring strategic trust and good neighborliness, setting a good example for a new type of international relations. The China-Russia relationship, which is based on non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party , has the value of independence and autonomy. To develop China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and deepen mil-to-mil exchanges and cooperation are not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to safeguarding international equity and justice and maintaining global and regional security and stability.

If you make presumptions about others based on your own behavior, stick to the narrow-minded and outdated Cold War mentality, and view China and the China-Russia relationship with anxiety, you will not come to the correct judgement because the premise and the argument are both wrong.

Question: It is reported that the US and the Philippines have concluded the Bilateral Defense Guidelines recently, and officially affirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines covers the South China Sea. What's your comment on this?

Answer: Thanks to the joint efforts of regional countries, the current situation in the South China Sea remains stable generally. The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation , rather than an arena for bloc confrontation promoted by certain countries.

China has maintained a consistent and clear stance on the South China Sea issue. We firmly oppose any country using the so-called bilateral treaty as an excuse to meddle in the South China Sea and undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The Chinese military will pay close attention to relevant moves and take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and protect peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Question: According to some sources, the US government plans to provide US$500 million worth of weapons assistance to Taiwan through Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA). In addition, the US military has recently sent more than 100 service members to Taiwan to help train local troops, learn about the strengths and weaknesses of local military training model and offer relevant advice. What's your comment on this?

Answer: For some time, the US has stepped up its military collusion with the Democratic Progressive Party authorities by strengthening military contacts and upgrading substantive relations between the two sides, which has shaken the foundation of China-US relations and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. These are very wrong and dangerous moves. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to them, and has lodged solemn representations with the US side.

The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. The "Three Principles" are the preconditions for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US, namely, severing so-called "diplomatic relations", abrogating the "mutual defense treaty" with the Taiwan authorities, and withdrawing US military forces from Taiwan. China won't accept any attempt to reverse the wheel of history. We strongly urge the US side to fully abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiqués, fulfill its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence", and stop any form of military collusion with Taiwan. And we warn the DPP authorities and the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces that any attempt to seek independence by soliciting US support or by force will lead nowhere.

The PLA will continue to strengthen military training and combat readiness, firmly crush any "Taiwan independence" attempt and external interference in any form, and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.