Question: The media noticed that there have been many highlights and remarkable achievements in China’s military diplomacy in the year of 2023. Can you give us more details, please?
Defense Spokesperson Wu Qian: The year 2023 marks the first year for fully implementing the guiding principles laid down at the 20th CPC National Congress. On military diplomacy, we acted on Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, followed the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, took high-level exchanges as important means, focused on practical cooperation and gave emphasis to multilateral platforms. We have broken new ground, forged ahead with enterprise and fortitude, enhanced the quality and efficiency of international military cooperation and achieve high-quality development.
First, military diplomacy served the overall political and diplomatic objectives of China. Under the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, leaders of the Central Military Commission (CMC) had strategic communication with defense and military leaders of Russia, the United States, Vietnam, Cambodia, Pakistan, South Africa, etc., and deepened bilateral strategic cooperation. The Chinese military enhanced consultation and dialogue and expanded practical cooperation with relevant militaries to put into practice the achievements of head-of-state diplomacy.
Second, military diplomacy resolutely safeguarded national sovereignty,security and development interests. In response to the negative and wrong rhetoric and infringements and provocations made by certain countries on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue, while taking actions to protect our rights in accordance with laws and regulations, the Chinese military also made diplomatic representations, and timely refuted, warned and exposed the wrongdoings and negative moves of relevant countries, and made clear China’s positions through MND spokesperson and the media.
Thirdly, we have expanded foreign-related military operations. The PLA organized and conducted 34 joint training, exercises and international military games including the China-Russia “Beibu Unity-2023” joint exercise, the “Aman youyi-2023” joint exercise with southeast Asian countries, the China-Cambodia “Golden Dragon 2023” joint exercise, the China-Laos “Friendship Shield-2023” joint exercise. Through expanded bilateral and multilateral exercises and training, the PLA has deepened mutual trust and cooperation with the militaries of relevant countries, and played a positive role in maintaining regional stability.
Fourthly, we have made innovative efforts in multilateral diplomacy. The tenth Beijing Xiangshan Forum and the third China-Africa Peace and Security Forum hosted by China were widely attended and welcomed. We attended multilateral events including the Shangri-La dialogue, the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+), and actively introduced major initiatives such as the Global Security Initiative and promoted international consensus for peace and cooperation.
Fifthly, we have contributed to building a community with a shared future for mankind. The PLAN Ark Peace hospital ship visited Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. The Chinese military medical expert teams continued to work in Zambia, Cambodia and Laos, and provided medical service to the local people. PLA Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft carried out humanitarian relief missions to Afghanistan and Nepal. PLA Navy vessels rushed to Sudan to evacuate Chinese nationals. The Chinese military also actively participated in UN peacekeeping and vessel protection operations, consistently providing public security goods to the international community.
Embracing the world for peace, the Chinese military will always follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and stay committed to expanding and deepening relations with foreign militaries, strengthening practical exchanges and cooperation, and making due contributions to world peace and common development.