Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on September 28

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), releases news at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 28, 2023. (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.)

Senior Colonel Wu Qian: Friends from the media, good afternoon! Welcome to this month's regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense. I have two pieces of news to announce at the top.

The first one is about the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. The 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum will be held from October 29th to 31st in Beijing. Initiated in 2006, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum adheres to the ideas of “Equality, Openness, Inclusiveness, Mutual Learning”, and has developed into one of the important security dialogues in the world. Under the theme of “Common Security, Lasting Peace”, the forum will focus on the priorities of cooperation in the Global Security Initiative and provide equal opportunities for all parties to voice their opinions, discussing about security challenges, pursuing security solutions, and advancing security cooperation. The forum has four plenary sessions, namely “Responsibilities of Major Countries and Global Security Cooperation”, “Role of Developing Countries in Global Security”, “Asia-Pacific Security Architecture: Present and Future”, and “Regional Security and Development: Path and Goal”, and eight simultaneous special sessions. A Young Officers and Scholars Seminar and other activities will also be held.

At present, the preparation for the forum is well underway. Official delegates from more than 40 countries and international organizations and renowned experts and scholars at home and abroad have already confirmed their attendance. We welcome both domestic and foreign journalists to cover this event.

The second is about China-Saudi Arabia naval special operations joint training.

Based on the international military cooperation plan and consensus between the two sides, China and Saudi Arabia will hold the “Blue Sword 2023” naval special operations joint training in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, in October. The joint training will focus on overseas maritime counter-terrorism operations and cover subjects including sniping tactics, boat driving, helicopter fast-roping, and joint rescue. This is the second time that the Chinese and Saudi navies have held this kind of joint training, and it aims to deepen the pragmatic and friendly cooperation between the two militaries and improve realistic training.

Question: According to reports, a senior US official said that military contacts between China and the US might resume. The US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs stated that “the lack of clear, consistent communication lines at the executive level between the two countries could lead to an international incident in the event of misunderstanding”. May I have your comment on that?

Answer: We have pointed out many times that exchanges between the Chinese and the US militaries have not stopped. The two sides have maintained candid and effective communication through military diplomatic channels. We believe what the US lacks is not communication channels but the courage and action to face reality and correct its wrongdoings. The US has been trying to bind others' hands and feet so that it can do whatever it wants. How is that possible? There is a saying in China that “actions speak louder than words”. We urge the US to take concrete actions to create conditions for bringing the bilateral military relationship back on track.

Question: According to reports, a US defense official recently stated that the Pentagon was expected to release its annual report on China's military modernization and defense strategy in mid-October. May I have your comment on that?

Answer: The US disregards facts and releases such misleading reports year after year, looking for excuses to enlarge its arsenal and abuse its force. China firmly opposes that. Lies will never become truth, even if repeated a thousand times. We urge the US to stop deceiving itself and others to avoid falling into the quagmire of distorted perceptions. As for the details of the report, we will refute it point by point after its release.

Question: According to reports, senior Chinese military officials have postponed their planned visit to Japan, which was originally scheduled for mid-to-late September, and the visit is unlikely to take place within this year. This move is possibly related to the controversy over Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. What is your comment on this?

Answer: China attaches importance to China-Japan defense relationship. As for the specific programs of China-Japan defense exchanges, they are always determined through consultations between the two sides based on their respective work arrangements.

Question: It was reported that the US Department of Defense recently released a summary of its 2023 Cyber Strategy, which claims that China poses "a broad and pervasive cyber espionage threat" and a "pacing challenge" to the US in cyberspace. What's your comment on it ?

Answer: It is known to all that the US is the world's biggest empire of hacking, surveillance and theft of secrets that flagrantly conduct large-scale, systematic and indiscriminate cyber attacks against other countries. Even its allies are no exception. Besides, as the origin and master of cyber warfare, the US vigorously develops offensive cyber capabilities and has developed cyber weapons like “Bvp47”, “QUANTUM”, “Acid Fox”, etc. Speaking of cyber threat to others, the US is second to none. So, the US should reserve the label of “a pacing challenge” for itself.

Cyberspace should be a new domain for the benefits of mankind, rather than another battlefield filled with tensions. We urge the US to stop its groundless attacks and smears against China, stop the militarization of cyberspace, and work together with the international community to uphold cyber security.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of September 28, 2023. (Photo/mod.gov.cn)

Question: According to reports, the “Pure Homeland 2023” multinational joint demining operation, co-organized by China and Cambodia, has concluded, with the participation of military forces from more than 10 countries. Could you provide more information on this event?

Answer: As co-chairs of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts' Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA), China and Cambodia jointly hosted the “Pure Homeland-2023” multinational joint demining operation from September 1st to 23rd in Cambodia. More than 300 personnel from 14 countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Russia, and Singapore, participated in the event, and the PLA sent more than 100 troops. During the event, multinational joint demining training and operations, as well as a demining operation forum, were organized, while the drafts of “ASEAN Standard Operation Procedures for Humanitarian Demining” and “ASEAN Multinational Coordination Standard Operation Procedures” were discussed and revised. Over 3,000 pieces of various types of ammunition remnants have been cleared, with 13 unexploded ordnances being neutralized.

Trust, like a tree, is nurtured by our mutual support. The Chinese military is willing to work together with all parties to actively implement the Global Security Initiative, promote the humanitarian spirit, and continuously deepen and consolidate regional cooperation in mine clearance within the ASEAN framework. We are committed to making positive contributions to addressing the problem of landmine hazards in regional countries, maintaining regional peace and stability, and enhancing the safety and well-being of the people.

Question: I have two questions. First, many countries, including the US, Japan, Australia and Canada, intended to participate in joint patrols in the South China Sea. The Philippine military is considering the proposal. There are also reports that the US and the Philippines have started a discussion on expanding the US military deployment on the eastern coast of the Philippines in response to the so-called China's "aggressive" diplomatic policy in the Indo-Pacific region. What is your response to this? Second, Taiwan's military authorities recently stated in its readouts that Taiwan was monitoring the movement of the PLA's long-range rocket systems, Rocket Force and ground forces in Fujian. What is your comment on this?

Answer: For the first question, we have noted the relevant reports. It needs to be emphasized that defense and security cooperation between countries should not harm the interests of third parties or regional peace and stability. China firmly opposes the interference of non-regional countries in the South China Sea issue and their actions under the guise of "freedom of navigation" to provoke disputes and create tensions in the region. The Chinese military will always take resolute measures to safeguardour national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Regarding the second question, Taiwan's military authorities want to use it as the whistle in the dark to prove that it is well-informed. As for whether it will work or not,we will wait and see. We would like to warn the DPP authorities that any attempt to engage in military confrontation and "seek independence by force" is overestimating their own capabilities and will lead to a dead end.

Question: According to reports, the US Senate recently voted to confirm Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. What is your comment on his appointment and what are the expectations?

Answer: We have taken note of the reports, and we hope Gen. Brown will make a positive contribution to the stable development of China-US military relations.

Question: The PLA recently conducted large-scale exercises and training in the sea and airspace around Taiwan, and according to Taiwan statistics, the number of PLA ships and aircraft involved has set a new record. The head of Taiwan's military authorities stated that the military operations of PLA vessels and aircraft around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent, raising the risk of accidental conflicts. What is your comment on this? In addition, we noticed that Taiwan's self-built submarine was launched today. Taiwan's military stated that self-built submarines are crucial for Taiwan's asymmetric military capabilities and will prevent the PLA from entering the Pacific to encircle Taiwan in the future. What is your comment on this?

Answer: Regarding your first question, the recent joint live exercises and training organized by the PLA in the sea and airspace around Taiwan Island are routine arrangements within our annual plan. The exercises are aimed at testing the outcomes of joint training and enhancing the joint combat capabilities of multiple services and arms. The PLA will organize such drills on a regular basis, strengthen front-line military training, and firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As for your second question, it is just an act of holding back the tide with a broom, and will eventually lead to self-destruction. As for your mention of preventing the PLA from entering the Pacific, it's a pipe dream. No matter how many weapons the DPP authorities build or purchase, they cannot stop the overwhelming trend of national reunification, nor can they shake the PLA's strong determination, firm will, and formidable capabilities in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Question: According to reports, the PLAN hospital ship Peace Ark has successfully completed Mission Harmony-2023 and returned to its homeport in Zhoushan. Could you provide more details about the hospital ship's mission?

Answer: From July 3 to September 19, the PLAN hospital ship Peace Ark,on Mission Harmony-2023, visited five countries including Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, and sailed a over 12,000 nautical miles. During this mission, the Peace Ark provided medical services to more than 40,000 people, performed nearly 200 surgeries, and dispatched 47 medical teams to 34 local communities, schools and hospitals. Additionally, three "Peace Babies" were born onboard. Overseas media and netizens praised the Peace Ark as the "Eastern Ark of Hope", the "Indefatigable Dove of Peace" and the "Seafaring Business Card Conveying Friendship".

Since its commissioning, the naval hospital ship Peace Ark has completed 11 international missions, visited 45 countries and regions across three oceans and six continents, and sailed a total distance of more than 280,000 nautical miles. It has provided medical services to more than 290,000 people and performed nearly 1,700 surgeries. Peace Ark deepened the friendship and mutual trust between the Chinese military and relevant countries, expanded the space for military exchanges and cooperation, and faithfully implemented the Global Security Initiative with concrete actions. It has written a splendid chapter of practicing the vision of building a maritime community with a shared future. You can see the track map of the Peace Ark hospital ship on the big screen.

Question: According to reports, to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation and the 70th anniversary of the US-ROK Alliance, the US, Canada and South Korea held joint military exercises in the Yellow Sea. Around the same time, China designated military task areas in the Bohai Strait and the northern part of the Yellow Sea. What is your comment on this?

Answer: The US has rallied its allies to conduct provocative military activities at China's doorstep, and China would certainly not stand idly by. This was the case 73 years ago, and it is no exception now. We firmly oppose the US's moves to create small circles and engage in camp confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region. We also hope that relevant countries can have a broader perspective and take actions that contribute to regional peace and stability rather than the opposite.

Question: It was reported that the Chinese and Cambodian militaries recently held “Peace Angel 2023” joint military medical service exercise, with more than 700 participants. Please brief us on the highlights of this exercise and the exchanges between the two militaries.

Answer: The Chinese and Cambodian militaries held the “Peace Angel 2023” joint military medical service exercise from September 14th to 26th. This exercise is a signature program of bilateral military cooperation which further consolidated the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia. There are three features about the exercise. First, this exercise deepened practical cooperation between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries on medical service. Under the theme of “joint international humanitarian medical rescue for severe floods and hurricanes”, medical service troops of both sides jointly organized medical rescue operations including on-site emergency response, transfer treatment, and aeromedical evacuation. Such activities strengthened the interoperability and emergency response capabilities of medical service troops of the two militaries in military operations other than war (MOOTW). Second, this exercise improved joint rescue capabilities of the two medical service troops. Participants were mixed and integrated in teams and both sides explored an efficient mode of rescue featuring “joint command, mixed teams, and integrated operations”. Such practice provided useful experience for conducting international humanitarian medical rescue missions. Third, this exercise innovated methods and approaches of joint professional exercises. This exercise marked the first time for the PLA to send its Y-9 medical rescue aircraft and its aeromedical evacuation forces outside China for live exercises and training. The Chinese side also employed multiple types of advanced equipment and devices including drones, and its medical team provided medical service for nearly 2000 Cambodian service members and civilians, which was widely applauded by people of all walks of life in Cambodia.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic relations and the “China-Cambodia Friendship Year”. The Chinese military stands ready to work with the Cambodian side to follow the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, maintain high-level interactions between the two militaries, expand exchanges between relevant departments and between arms and services of the two militaries, deepen practical cooperation in areas including education and training, joint exercises, medical service, and demining, and strengthen coordination on multilateral occasions, so as to jointly safeguard our common interests and maintain regional peace and stability.

Question: According to reports, the Peruvian navy's sailing training ship B.A.P. Unión recently made its first visit to Shanghai. Could you please provide more information on this?

Answer: From September 18th to 22nd, the Peruvian Navy's sailing training ship B.A.P. Unión visited Shanghai. During the visit, naval members from China and Peru had professional and technical exchanges, mutual visits to ships, and conducted cultural and sports activities.

China and Peru share a close bond. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Peru, as well as the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the Chinese and Peruvian militaries have engaged in sound cooperation in such areas as high-level interactions, personnel training, and professional exchanges. In particular, naval vessels of the two countries have made multiple mutual visits. The Chinese military is willing to work together with the Peruvian side to advance our military-to-military relations, and make more active contributions to world peace and regional development.

The sailing training ship B.A.P. Unión hosted an open day. (Photo by Geng Haipeng)

Sailors from China and Peru engaged in professional and technical exchanges. (Photo by Ren Wei)

Question: According to reports, a Chinese naval vessel rescued an injured Filipino fisherman in the waters near Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea. Could you please brief us more on this?

Answer: On September 17, PLAN ship Aba encountered two Filipino fishermen seeking help while sailing in the waters east of Ren'ai Jiao. One of the Filipino fishermen was injured in the foot by the propeller of the small fishing boat he was riding. The PLAN medics aboard immediately examined the injury and performed treatment. Later, the Filipino fishermen were transferred to the Philippine side, which expressed gratitude to the Chinese side. The South China Sea is not a battleground for certain big power to stir up trouble and provoke conflicts. As always, the Chinese military will faithfully implement the Global Security Initiative and make positive contributions to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Question: According to reports, Taiwan's military authorities recently released the “2023 National Defense Report”, stating that it will adhere to a military strategic thinking of “resolute defense and multi-domain deterrence". The report states that “the PRC has been completing the construction of airfields along the coastline of its Eastern and Southern Theater Commands, and “the military development of the PRC” poses a threat to Taiwan. In response, Taiwan will “consolidate partnership with allies and friendly countries” such as the US, Australia and Japan. What is your comment on this?

Answer: Taiwan is a part of China, so how would Taiwan possibly have its own “national defense” report? We have repeatedly pointed out that “Taiwan independence” is a dead end, and soliciting foreign support leads nowhere. The so-called “resolute defense” and “deterrence” won't work in front of the strong PLA. As for “seeking independence with foreign support,” it's nothing more than a self-deceiving day dream. Chinese don't fight Chinese, but if some people on the island don't want to be Chinese, we won't sit idly by.

Question: According to reports, Philippine officials stated that two patrol boats donated by the US were recently put into use, allowing the Philippine Navy to step up patrols in the tense South China Sea. These two boats will perform missions alongside the Philippine Coast Guard vessels and may be involved in missions including escorting chartered ships to deliver supplies to Ren'ai Reef. What is your comment on this?

Answer: China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef, and its adjacent waters. After the end of World War II, the Chinese government recovered sovereignty over the NanhaiZhudao (the South China Sea Islands) in accordance with the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. This historical fact is clear. The territorial limits of the Philippines are defined by a series of international treaties, including the Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, and subsequent treaties in 1900 and 1930. The Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef and Huangyan Island, are not within the territorial limits of the Philippines.

The South China Sea was calm until the US disrupted it. The two old patrol boats provided to the Philippines might not have significant practical uses. However, this move itself reveals the true nature of the US's involvement in the South China Sea issue, that is, sowing discord and undermining peace and stability in the region. We urge the US to stop meddling in the South China Sea issue and cease disrupting the peace and stability in the region.

Question: According to foreign media reports, the US plans to expand the scale of military training for troops of the Taiwan region. Sources say this is part of the US strategy to strengthen deterrence against the Chinese mainland by deepening cooperation with the island. What is your comment on this?

Answer: For some time, the DPP authorities have been stepping up its military collusion with the US by strengthening official exchanges and military contacts, in an attempt to rely on external forces to “seek independence by force”. Such moves seriously undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China will never stand idly by in the face of such actions.

The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no external interference. We warn the US to immediately cease any form of official exchanges and military contacts with Taiwan. The PLA will, as always, resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Question: China's State Council Information Office recently released a white paper entitled “A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions,” which actively advocates for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations stated that China supports the nuclear disarmament initiative proposed by the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). However, an article in The New York Times recently suggested that China's rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal could pose unimaginable dangers. Will the Chinese government disclose the number of its nuclear arsenals? How does China plan to promote the global nuclear disarmament process?

Answer: China pursues an open, transparent and responsible nuclear policy. China has consistently adhered to the policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances. We have made an unconditional commitment of not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China is the only nuclear-weapon state that has made such commitments. China has never deployed nuclear weapons in other countries and has maintained an extremely restrained approach to the nuclear weapons development. We have never and will not participate in any form of nuclear arms race. China will continue to maintain its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security.

China has always been advocating the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. We believe that the countries with the largest nuclear arsenals bear special and primary responsibilities for nuclear disarmament and should continue to substantially reduce their nuclear arsenals in a verifiable, irreversible and legally binding manner, so as to create the necessary conditions for ultimately achieving complete and thorough nuclear disarmament.

Question: American entrepreneur Elon Musk recently stated that Taiwan is an integral part of China, and that it is the US that "is attempting to prevent reunification". What is your comment on this?

Answer: The one-China principle is a common consensus of the international community. The true calculations of the DPP authorities to “seek independence by force” and the US to “use Taiwan to contain China” have been seen clearly by more and more people with insights. Any actions that distort facts and deny or challenge the one-China principle will end in failure.

Question: Recent statements by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US military indicated that the US intelligence community assessed that the balloons from China earlier this year did not engage in intelligence-gathering activities and did not transmit any data back to China. What is your comment on this? Additionally, the US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs stated that if the Chinese mainland attempted to blockade Taiwan, it is unlikely to succeed. What is your response to this?

Answer: In response to the first question, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already stated China's position on this issue multiple times. We urge the US not to be overly suspicious to the point of paranoia.

Regarding the second question, the Taiwan region is part of China, and resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people to decide. It brooks no foreign interference. China is committed to seeking peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost effort, but we accept no interference in China's internal affairs by any people or any force under the guise of “peace.” No one should underestimate the strong determination, firm will, and strong capabilities of the Chinese government and the Chinese people in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China must and will be reunified. Statements like those from the US sent wrong signals to the “Taiwan Independence” separatist forces, which were highly irresponsible and dangerous. The PLA is fully prepared and stays highly vigilant, and will continuously improve its combat readiness. We will take resolute measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Question: Recently, a fleet led by the aircraft carrier Shandong conducted exercises in waters near Taiwan, and some analysts have called it the closest exercise to Taiwan. What is your comment on this?

Answer: That was a training within the annual plan, which was aimed at enhancing the troops' combat readiness.

Question: Recently, the PLA deployed more than 100 military aircraft near the Taiwan Strait. Some experts believe that the purpose is to exert more military pressure on Taiwan. What is your comment? Is there a possibility of accidental conflict if tensions in the Taiwan Strait reach a critical point?

Answer: As I mentioned earlier, we will strive for a peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost effort. However, we will leave absolutely no room for separatist activities seeking “Taiwan independence.” The real harm to the people of Taiwan comes from the separatist forces advocating “Taiwan independence” and external interference. The PLA will, as always, deter “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Spokesperson Wu Qian: I would like to say a few words before we conclude. Tomorrow is the traditional Chinese festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival. Chinese people often say, “As the bright moon shines over the sea, from far away you share this moment with me.” On this occasion, I wish people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait a happy festival and a reunion soon. In two days, we will celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. All officers and soldiers of the military will celebrate the birthday of our great motherland at their posts to protect the people and defend the country. May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in harmony!

Here concludes Today’s press conference. Thank you all!