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 November 30, 2023. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)
(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: Dear friends from the media, good afternoon! Welcome to this month's regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense. Today, I have two pieces of news to release at the top.
First, about the China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Military Medicine Forum.
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense will host the first China- LAC Military Medicine Forum in Beijing from December 11 to 13. We have invited chiefs of military (police) health departments and experts from over 20 LAC countries, and officials from the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM). Under the theme of "Meet New Military Medical Challenges and Open a New Era for China-Latin America Cooperation", the forum will cover a range of topics including smart health service administration, systems and technologies for military trauma treatment, and new progress in special medicine research. The forum will help build better mechanisms for China-LAC military medicine cooperation, and enhance practical cooperation on scientific research, mutual visits of experts and personnel training.
Second, about the Seminar on Defense Economy and Military Logistics held by the PLA Army Logistics Academy.
The PLA Army Logistics Academy held the Seminar on Defense Economy and Military Logistics in Chongqing on November 30. Delegates from Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Armenia attended the seminar online and representatives from more than 30 Chinese military and civil units participated in the seminar offline. Focusing on the theme of "Innovation and Practice of Defense Economy and Military Logistics in the New Era", the delegates shared their research outcomes, experience and practice, and discussed approaches to innovation and development of defense economy and military logistics. The seminar provided a platform for more international cooperation in this area.
Question: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with US President Joe Biden in San Francisco on November 15, local time. The two heads of state agreed to resume, on the basis of equality and respect, high-level communication between the two militaries, the China-US Defense Policy Coordination Talks, and the China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings, and to conduct telephone conversations between theater commanders. Could you brief us on the progress of military communication between the two sides since the meeting between the two heads of state?
Answer: President Xi Jinping had a successful meeting with US President Joe Biden recently. In the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, the two sides discussed dialogue and cooperation in various areas and reached more than 20 deliverables in such area as political affairs and foreign policy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, global governance, and military and security. This meeting pointed the way and drew a blueprint for the sound, steady and sustained growth of China-US relations.
According to the consensus reached between the two heads of state, the two countries will resume, on the basis of equality and respect, high-level military-to-military communication, the China-US Defense Policy Coordination Talks, and the China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings, and conduct telephone conversations between theater commanders. The defense authorities of the two countries are in communication and coordination with each other in this regard. We will release relevant information in due course.
China values the mil-to-mil relationship with the US. The Chinese military stands ready to work with its US counterpart to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry out exchanges and cooperation in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and promote a sound and steady China-US mil-to-mil relationship.
Question: It is reported recently that China and the US may agree to limit the unsupervised military application of artificial intelligence (AI). Please brief us on China's position on the application of AI in the military domain.
Answer: President Xi Jinping proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which contributed China’s wisdom to guide global AI governance. China has submitted position papers to the UN concerning regulating military application of AI and strengthening ethical governance of AI and participates in global AI governance in a constructively manner.
China pays close attention to security risks posed by military applications of AI technologies. We call on all countries, especially major countries, to adopt a prudent and responsible attitude to the research, development and application of AI technologies in the military field. China is opposed to using AI advantages to undermine the sovereignty of other countries. Following a people-centered approach and the principle of developing AI for good, the Chinese side is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with different parties, build consensus on regulating military use of AI, avoid the misuse, abuse and malicious use of relevant weapon systems, and ensure human control over these weapon systems.
Question: General Charles A. Flynn, commanding general of US Army Pacific said recently that the US military plans to deploy land-based intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region next year to prevent the Chinese mainland from striking Taiwan. According to US media reports, these will include a few land-based Tomahawks and SM-6s. Do you have any comment?
Answer: It's a dangerous move for the US to push for the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific. It will pose a serious threat to regional countries and undermine regional peace and stability. China is firmly opposed to it and will take countermeasures. I want to emphasize that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China and brooks no foreign interference. No one and no force can stop China from resolving the Taiwan question.
Question: According to Taiwan media reports, Taiwan plans to purchase six decommissioned littoral combat ships (LCS) from the US military, and build six Harpoon missile bases and nine Hsiung Feng missile bases. It also plans to purchase 1,485 micro drones to strengthen its so-called urban defense combat capabilities. Do you have any comment?
Answer: The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities solicit the US support for "Taiwan Independence" and are turning Taiwan into a "weapons depot" and "powder keg". Such acts will plunge Taiwan into an abyss and bring nothing but disasters to the people in Taiwan. In fact, Taiwan's security will only come from the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, instead of a few pieces of US-made weapons.
The Chinese PLA is fully prepared and stays highly vigilant. We will take resolute measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Question: As approved by the Central Military Commission, the Regulation on Student Records of Military Cadets was recently issued. Please provide further information on the main features and innovations of the regulation.
Answer: The Regulation on Student Records of Military Cadets was issued in early November. This is a solid step to implement President Xi's important statements on military education and talent cultivation. It will help standardize the management of student records, stimulate the motivation, initiative, and creativity of cadets, and promote law-based military education and academic governance.
There are four points to highlight. First, the regulation is combat-oriented. It regulates that cadets can retain admission qualification and postpone enrolment if they are needed in important military operations. Relevant experience and accomplishments can be counted as academic credits. Cadets registered in majors in urgent need are restricted to change majors or colleges. Second, the regulation emphasizes the quality of talent cultivation. It requires examination of admission qualification for commanding cadets, and comprehensive assessment for graduation or completion, and specifies conditions for dropout, graduation and completion of cadets of different categories. Third, it reduces the impact of training injuries. The regulation eases deadlines of various evaluations for injured cadets and designs proper assignments for them after graduation, so as to keep cadets motivated for training. Fourth, it improves supervision and management. The regulation tailors the management of student records to different categories of cadets, integrates and streamlines administrative procedures, and takes holistic measures on team building, database development, inspection and supervision, and awards and punishments. This will improve the overall effectiveness of military education and academic governance.
Question: I have two questions. First, the US Secretary of Defense Austin and his Philippine counterpart Teodoro recently met and issued a joint statement, emphasizing that the US and the Philippines stand shoulder-to-shoulder in defending the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its Exclusive Economic Zone. They also denounced China's law-enforcement operations in waters near Ren'ai Jiao. In addition, the US has reportedly provided advice to the Philippines on repairing the illegally grounded Philippine warship. Do you have any comment? Second, according to online reports, China's third domestically-made aircraft carrier PLANS Fujian has started with "dead load" launch testing recently for its electromagnetic catapult system and it seems that it is preparing for sea trials. Do you have any good news?
Answer: On your first question, China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and the adjacent waters, including Ren'ai Jiao. The Philippine side illegally grounded a military vessel at Ren'ai Jiao and attempted to reinforce it by sending ships to intrude into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao. Such moves have seriously violated not only China's sovereignty, but also international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The issue of Ren'ai Jiao is a bilateral one between China and the Philippines, and has nothing to do with the US. The US meddled in the South China Sea issue for its selfish interests, instigated and emboldened the Philippine side to infringe upon China's sovereignty, which escalated maritime tensions. The Chinese side firmly opposes that. History has repeatedly proved that the US interference will only make things worse. We strongly condemn the wrong acts by relevant countries to provoke confrontation and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, and urge them to be prudent in words and deeds. The Chinese military will take resolute and effective measures to defend national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime rights and interests. For your second question, China's third aircraft carrier PLANS Fujian is conducting its mooring trials. We will steadily advance its development according to the plan.
Question: China and India have held 20 rounds of Corps Commander Level Meetings to resolve remaining issues in the western sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Can you sum up the outcomes of these talks? When do the two militaries plan to hold the next round of talks?
Answer: The current situation along the China-India border remains generally stable. Under the guidance of the leaders of two states, the two sides maintain effective communication through diplomatic and military channels, and have made steady progress in resolving remaining issues in western sector along the LAC. Up till now, the two sides have had 20 rounds of Corps Commander Level Meetings, which have become an important platform for the two sides to consult on border management and control matters and have helped the two militaries to disengage at four points namely the Galwan Valley, the Pangong Lake, Hot Springs, and Jianan Daban, playing a positive role in deescalating tensions. China values the China-India military relationship, and hopes the Indian side can work together with the Chinese side towards the same goal, build stronger strategic mutual trust, properly handle the differences and safeguard peace and tranquility along the border. As for the next Corps Commander Level Meeting, we will release information in due course.
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 November 30, 2023. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)
Question: It is reported that China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) recently held the handover ceremony of the 10th batch of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs' remains. The ROK transferred the remains and belongings of 25 CPV martyrs to the Chinese side. Please brief us on more details.
Answer: On November 23, escorted by two J-20 fighter jets, a Y-20 military transport aircraft carried the 10th batch of remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs back to China. The deployment of Y-20 and J-20 was a tribute paid by the PLA Air Force to the revolutionary martyrs. On November 24, the burial ceremony of the 25 martyrs was carried out at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang.
The nation was mourning as the heroes returned home. The martyrs sacrificed their lives to secure the motherland and realize peace. Their heroic deeds will always be remembered. We will pay tribute to our heroes with unremitting efforts to build a strong nation and a strong military.
Question: According to reports, some Philippine officials said that during the Philippine-Australian maritime cooperation activities in the South China Sea, Chinese military aircraft flew near the Philippine military aircraft. Do you have any comment? What's your comment on the joint patrols carried out by the Philippines and Australia, and by the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea?
Answer: The remarks of the Philippine side are inconsistent with what really happened on the ground and is a sheer malicious hype-up. Defense and security cooperation between countries shall not target at any third party or harm a third party's interests and shall not undermine regional peace and stability. We oppose any act that stir up confrontation and heighten tensions in the South China Sea. We urge the Philippine side to abide by the spirit of the DOC, and stop any act violating China's sovereignty. The Chinese military will stay vigilant and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and defend peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Question: There are reports saying that "The Chinese mainland has no plan to attack the Taiwan Region in 2027 or 2035". Does this mean that military attack on Taiwan is still an option, but might be earlier? Some scholars even believe that it is related to the outcome of the general election in Taiwan next year. Do you have any comment?
Answer: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests. We will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and efforts. However, should "Taiwan independence" separatists provoke or force us, or even cross the red line, we will be compelled to take resolute measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. National reunification is the firm will of over 1.4 billion Chinese people and is the sacred mission of the PLA. "Relying on the US support for independence" is bound to fail, and "resisting reunification by force" will lead nowhere. No matter who tries to split Taiwan from China in any form, the PLA will never accept it and will take resolute measures.
Question: I have a similar question. Yesterday Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen said that the Chinese mainland is facing some domestic troubles, and may not attack Taiwan in the near future. Do you have any comment?
Answer: China must be and will surely be reunified. As I said just now, "relying on the US support for independence" is bound to fail, and "resisting reunification by force" will lead nowhere. The PLA will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Question: It is reported that the Conference on Military Medicine of the 3rd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum was held recently. Please brief us on more details.
Answer: China's Ministry of National Defense hosted the Conference on Military Medicine of the 3rd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum from November 20th to 26th. Representatives from the Chinese military, and leaders and medical experts of the military health departments from 17 African countries attended the event. The conference provided a platform for China and Africa to enhance friendship and mutual understanding, deepen cooperation on military medicine, and jointly address challenges in the field of medical service.
Under the theme of "Strengthening Exchanges and Cooperation, Protecting Health of Service Members", Chinese and African delegates had in-depth exchanges of views and reached broad consensus on topics including military health systems and talent cultivation, systems and technologies for military trauma treatment, modern military medical systems and IT application, impact of military operational environment on troops' health and countermeasures, and military personnel's health in the post-pandemic era. African delegates unanimously expressed that there is great potential for China-Africa military medicine cooperation, and they are willing to work with the Chinese side to deepen exchanges and cooperation and actively contribute to the building of a global community of health for all.
Question: The PLA Navy recently held a meeting on the recruitment of pilots and launched the recruitment and selection of pilots for the year 2024. The selection and recruitment of carrier-borne fighter pilot cadets has attracted much public attention. Please share with us more information.
Answer: Following President Xi's important instructions on talent development and the strategy of strengthening the military through talent development in the new era, the PLA Navy has made prominent progress in building new types of combat forces in new domains represented by carrier-borne fighter pilot cadets, and formed a featured model for their recruitment and selection.
In terms of the areas of recruitment, it covers 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities. The PLA Navy has set up 14 juvenile naval aviation schools across the country and organized naval aviation classes.
As for the sources of recruits, graduates from regular senior secondary schools and juvenile naval aviation schools, new undergraduates and enlisted students from civilian or military universities and colleges can all apply. From 2024, new postgraduates will be able to apply for carrier-borne fighter pilot cadets.
On the gender of recruits, the PLA Navy organized, for the first time, selection of female pilot cadets for carrier-borne fighters in 2023. So China is expected to have its first female carrier-borne fighter pilot in the near future.
On training methods, the PLA Navy is exploring a "development path" for pilot cadets, and has gained full-time training capability during both day and night time.
Carrier-borne fighter pilots are brave dancers on the tip of knife. We encourage young people with lofty ambitions to join the team and chase their dream in the blue sky.
Question: It is reported that relevant departments of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee (CPCCC PLAC) and the CMC Political and Legal Affairs Commission (CMC PLAC) recently held a civil-military consultation meeting in Beijing, which focused on safeguarding defense interests and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of military personnel and their families. We also noted that the military has recently investigated and punished seven fake "CMC ministers". Please share with us more information.
Answer: It is a consistent policy and fine tradition of the Party and the country to safeguard defense interests and protect legitimate rights and interests of military personnel and their families. In particular, we have made greater progress in military-related rights protection since the 18th CPC National Congress. For example, the 19th CPC National Congress wrote in its report for the first time that "We will protect the legitimate rights and interests of military personnel and their families; and we will make military service an occupation that enjoys public respect." The 20th CPC National Congress also stressed that "We will better motivate service personnel and their family members through military honors and do more to protect their rights and interests." Since 2021, the Law of the PRC on the Protection of the Status, Rights and Interests of Military Personnel and the guideline on safeguarding defense interests and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of military personnel and their families in the new era have been promulgated, which advanced military-related rights protection. The civil-military consultation meeting is another step to further implement the above-mentioned law and guideline.
In recent years, the CMC PLAC has worked with the CPCCC PLAC to guide political and legal affairs commission at provincial level to adjust and optimize the leading groups on military-related rights protection and release supporting policy documents. Besides, the CMC PLAC has deepened civil-military coordination on judicial affairs, cracked down on military-related fraud, advanced public interest litigation, and provided improved legal aid to military personnel and their families. It has also launched a series of campaigns for military-related rights protection and addressed legal issues concerning military infrastructure protection and service members at primary level. An online platform for information exchange has been established, bringing more convenience and efficiency to service members.
Following the instructions and requirements of the CPCCC, the CMC and President Xi, the military will focus on achieving the centenary goal, stay problem-oriented and maintain closer civil-military coordination to reduce risks to national defense security, overcome difficulties in supporting military operations, and eliminate insecure and unstable factors in the military, and open up new prospects for military-related rights protection.
Question: According to reports, the US National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year of 2023 (FY2023 NDAA) provided grant military assistance to Taiwan, which has been implemented successively. In the past half month, the latest delivery included 80,000 sets of US military combat uniforms and 1000 M240B portable heavy machine guns. Chairman of the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Indo-Pacific of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs are calling for speeding up the sale of weapons like Harpoon missiles to Taiwan. Do you have any comment?
Answer: The Taiwan question is China's internal affair and brooks no foreign interference. We firmly oppose the US arms sale to China's Taiwan region. China requires the US side to take real actions to honor its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan Independence", stop arming Taiwan or undermining China's core interests. The PLA will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Question: I have two questions. The first is about military communication between China and the United States. It has been reported that there is a consensus on restoring high-level military communication between the two countries. What is your comment on that? The second question is about China's participation in the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-PLUS). It was reported that a delegation from the Ministry of National Defense attended the meeting. Can you confirm whether the delegates have had any contact or communication with the US delegation during this event?
Answer: First, addressing your second question. Information regarding the participation of the MND delegation in the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus has already been released previously. Please refer to the published press release for details. Regarding your first question, equality and respect are the right approach and the precondition for the development of mil-to-mil relationship between China and the US.
Question: I have two questions. First, it's reported that the Japan's Self-Defense Force (SDF) recently held an amphibious drill at Tokunoshima Island in Kagoshima prefecture, which simulated an attack to dislodge invaders. Some analysts said that the island is considered by Japan as "vulnerable to attacks from China". Do you have any comment on that? The second question is that some foreign media reported that China's nuclear submarine technology develops very fast, in particular its noise reducing technology. What is your comment on this?
Answer: For your first question, in history, the war of aggression launched by Japan brought great suffering to the people in Asia including the Chinese people. In recent years, Japan has repeatedly broken the bindings of its pacifist Constitution and the "exclusively defense-oriented policy", and stepped up its military development. Such acts have aroused high vigilance among its neighbors and the international community.
We urge the Japanese side to draw lessons from history, be cautious with its words and deeds in military and security areas and make positive efforts to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.
As for your second question, we do not comment on submarine development.
Question: Some Taiwan netizens said that if the PLA troops land on Taiwan, the people in Taiwan will offer sincere support and hearty welcome to the PLA. Do you have any comment?
Answer: Taiwan will surely return to the motherland.
Question: We see that in Taiwan, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim have been playing up that the mainland has "no plan to attack Taiwan" in the next few years, claiming that they want to maintain the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait. On the other hand, they continue to strengthen military collusion with the US and call for "strengthening its self-defense capabilities". What's your comment?
Answer: I have already answered similar question just now. I want to emphasize one point here, no matter who tries to split Taiwan from China in any form, the PLA will never accept it and will take resolute measures.
Question: According to media reports, the PLA Southern Theater Command conducted an exercise along China's border with Myanmar in recent days. What's your comment on the current situation in northern Myanmar? What measures will the Chinese military take next?
Answer: China is closely following the situation in northern Myanmar and has made active efforts to promote peace talks. We urge relevant parties in Myanmar to cease fighting as soon as possible, and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and consultations. The realistic exercise carried out by the PLA Southern Theater Command aimed to test the troops' capabilities of rapid maneuver, border blockade and control, and fire strike, so as to better maintain border security and stability and protect the people's lives and property. The Chinese military will stay on high alert and is always prepared to respond to various emergencies.
Question: You just have mentioned that equality and respect are the precondition for promoting the mil-to-mil relationship between China and the US. However, we noticed there are plenty of questions in today's conference regarding the US interfering in the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue. Do you think the US side has already broken the foundation of equality and respect?
Answer: As I said earlier, equality and respect are the right approach and the precondition for the development of mil-to-mil relationship between China and the US. China has always upheld the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in dealing with the US. We hope the US side can work with China, respect China's core interests and major concerns, show sincerity, and take concrete actions to create a favorable atmosphere and conditions for a sound and stable mil-to-mil relationship.
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 November 30, 2023. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)
Conclusion:
This month witnessed the 74th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Air Force, which coincide with a big online shopping festival in China. We can buy everything we like freely because we have the people's military on our back and the protection of the PLAAF. Let's salute them and wish the PLAAF grow stronger.
My colleagues from the air force send you some small souvenirs. These are some badges of our main military planes, including J-10C, J-20, J-16, Y-20, H-6K. We hope you like it. Thank you.
That concludes today's press conference. Thank you all.