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 August 29, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Lv Zhe)
(The following English text of the press conference is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese textshall prevail.)
Wu Qian: Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this month's regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense.
I have four pieces of news at the top.
The first one.
The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum (BXF) will be held from September 12th to 14th. Preparations for its convening are almost complete. As of August 28th, official delegations from more than 90 countries, regions and international organizations have confirmed to attend the Forum. The number and level of participants has exceeded all previous years with wider representation.
Under the theme of Promoting Peace for a Shared Future, this year's forum aims at pooling wisdom, expanding consensus and building mutual trust, and promoting balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture. It will convene 4 plenary sessions, namely Security Cooperation and Asia-Pacific Prosperity and Stability, Multipolarity and the Evolving International Order, Global South and World Peaceful Development, and International Mechanisms and Global Security Governance. Eight special sessions will also be convened, as well as feature activities such as high-end interviews, leading experts dialogue, SCO+ young scholars salon, and young military officers' and scholars' seminar.
With refreshing breeze and picturesque autumn scenery in Beijing's September, we look forward to hosting guests from home and abroad, and wish the forum a complete success.
The second one.
According to the annual engagement plan and the consensus between China and Singapore, the two militaries will hold China-Singapore Exercise Cooperation 2024 joint maritime exercise in waters and airspace near Zhanjiang from August 30th to September 5th. During the exercise, the two sides will organize drills including joint anti-surface strike, replenishment-at-sea, joint search and rescue, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS). As the third edition of this series of exercise, it will further enhance mutual trust and friendship, and promote practical exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries.
The third one.
At the invitation of Nicaraguan military, the PLA Guard of Honor will send a contingent to participate in the military parade celebrating the 45th anniversary of the founding of Nicaraguan Armed Forces on September 3rd local time. This will further enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and deepen military-to-military relations.
The fourth one.
The Ministry of National Defense Information Office (MNDIO) accounts on Douyin and Kuaishou made their debut today. The accounts will release authorized video contents related to China's national defense and military development from multiple perspectives, namely, introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, elaboration on China's defense policy, response to public concerns, clarification of doubts, sharing stories of Chinese armed forces, and briefing on international military cooperation. It will enable the public to have a more timely, accurate, and comprehensive information on China's national defense and armed forces development. Here is a short video clip for their debut.
Question: It is reported that General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam held talks in Beijing. Both sides issued a joint statement, reiterating that defense and security cooperation is one of the pillars of China-Viet Nam relations. Furthermore, Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun held talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Giang. Could you please brief us more on China-Viet Nam military-to-military relations?
Wu Qian: China and Viet Nam are socialist countries and neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. On August 19th, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam held talks in Beijing. The two sides reached a series of important consensus, which deepens and solidifies the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future and brings new opportunities for the growth of military-to-military relations. On August 20th, Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun met his Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Giang. They had an in-depth and frank exchange of views on implementing the important consensus reached by top leaders of the two Parties and advancing the development of military-to-military relations.
Since the beginning of this year, practical cooperation between the two militaries in various areas has yielded fruitful results. Going forward, the Chinese military is ready to work with the Vietnamese side to seize the opportunity, follow the guidance of the top leaders of the two countries and Parties, strengthen the political foundation for cooperation, and deepen and expand cooperation, so as to bring our military-to-military relations to a higher level.
Question: It is reported that heavy rains triggered severe floods in Hebei Province, Liaoning Province and other areas. The pressure on flood control is heavy. The PLA, the PAP and the militia personnel are actively involved in emergency rescue and disaster relief. Could you please share more details with us?
Wu Qian: Recently, due to heavy rains in Hebei Province, Liaoning Province and other areas, severe floods caused heavy casualties and property losses. Keeping in mind and firmly implementing President Xi’s instructions, the PLA, the PAP forces and the militia personnel rushed to the disaster-hit areas to fight the floods, and protect the safety of local people and their property. As of August 28th, 127,800 service members of the PLA and the PAP, 122,800 militia personnel, together with 12,800 vehicles and engineering equipment and 3,200 ships have been dispatched to the affected areas to support local authorities in such tasks as relocating people from the disaster-hit areas, search and rescue, dikes inspection, embankments reinforcement, supplies transportation, roads restoration, and providing medical services. They have played an important role in emergency rescue and disaster relief.
Question: Mr. Spokesperson, you told us that the MNDIO just opened accounts on Douyin and Kuaishou. Before releasing the first video, these two accounts already had more than 18 million followers. Could you please tell us why the two accounts made their debut today? Is there any special consideration?
Wu Qian: Thank you all for your interest in the MNDIO's official accounts. As approved, the MNDIO accounts on Douyin and Kuaishou have been officially launched on August 29th. Prior to the launch, the public has been closely following the preparation of the two accounts. We believe they not only are interested in the MNDIO's official accounts but also support China's national defense and military development.
In the era of omni-media, short videos are very popular among the public for social interactions. We will be where the public is and provide what the public likes. The MNDIO will continue to fulfill the duty of telling stories of the Chinese armed forces and making our voice heard. On Douyin and Kuaishou, we will, as always, tell true stories of the Chinese armed forces and communicate our voice to the world. We assure you that we will be full of positive energy as well as wonderful contents.
Question: I have two questions. Firstly, according to some reports, the second PLAN hospital ship—Silk Road Ark—is providing medical treatment and other services in Xisha Qundao, Nansha Qundao and coastal areas of South China. Please tell us more about this mission. Will this hospital ship carry out missions overseas to provide humanitarian medical service in the future? My second question is that during US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to China, China and the US agreed to conduct video phone call at the theater command level. Could you please tell us more about it? Is it planned for the near future?
Wu Qian: On your first question, from July 10th to August 7th, the PLAN Silk Road Ark had set sail from the naval port in Zhanjiang and traveled more than 3,600 nautical miles, successfully accomplishing the mission of Health to the Sea Frontiers to 18 islands and reefs of Xisha Qundao, Nansha Qundao and coastal areas of south China. During the voyage, it offered medical services to about 3,500 people and shared knowledge on island disease prevention.
The PLAN Silk Road Ark is the second self-designed and home-built ocean-going hospital ship. Compared with the PLAN Peace Ark, the new vessel features a larger full-load displacement, a longer sailing range and more advanced medical equipment. Going forward, the PLAN Silk Road Ark will perform four major tasks: firstly, providing medical treatment and evacuation for injured personnel at sea; secondly, offering medical services to civilians and service members stationed on islands and reefs; thirdly, carrying out international humanitarian medical services; and fourthly, providing emergency medical services to respond to major disasters and engaging in international exchanges and cooperation on military medical services. The PLA Navy stays committed to the vision of building a maritime community with a shared future and providing more public security goods to the international community.
On your second question concerning the phone call between Chinese and American theater commanders, the two sides are maintaining communication through military diplomatic channels. We will release information in due course.
Question: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the MOU between the Governments of the PRC and Japan on the Destruction of Chemical Weapons Abandoned by Japan in China. We also noticed that Hideo Shimizu, a former member of Unit 731, came to the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army and a former Unit 731 barrack, to testify and apologize for the crimes committed by the unit during the Japanese war of aggression against China. Could you please tell us more about it?
Wu Qian: Japanese abandoned chemical weapons (JACWs) in China are a major issue left over from the war of aggression against China committed by the Japanese militarists. It is still a very serious problem for China until today. During WWII, Japanese invaders blatantly violated international law, and transported a large number of chemical weapons into China. Besides, they committed heinous crimes against humanity and conducted horrendous bacterial warfare against Chinese people, leading to huge casualties of Chinese military and civilian personnel. After being defeated, Japanese Imperial Army secretly abandoned a large amount of chemical weapons on Chinese territory. Until now, these JACWs still have detrimental impacts on Chinese people's health and China's environment. The evidence is iron-clad and there is no room for denial.
The Chinese government and the Chinese military have been demanding the Japanese side to address the issue at an early date in a secure, clean and thorough way, and cooperate with the Chinese side in accordance with relevant spirits enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the MOU between Chinese and Japanese governments. The Chinese military has employed a large number of troops for the investigation, identification, transfer, storage, and destruction of, and emergency response to the JACWs, which has accelerated the disposal process. By now, with effective support from the Chinese side, Japan has dug out and retrieved more than 130,000 items of JACWs, nearly 100,000 of which have been destroyed. However, due to the lack of input from the Japanese side, both in terms of funds and technology, the work has been seriously delayed and the destruction of JACWs has failed to meet its deadline multiple times.
Eliminating the hazards of JACWs is an unshirkable historical, political and legal responsibility of the Japanese side. We urge the Japanese side to learn from Mr. Hideo Shimizu, face up to history, apologize for its crimes, and faithfully fulfill obligations in accordance with relevant international conventions and bilateral MOUs. It should increase inputs, provide accurate information on the localities of the JACWs, and implement the destruction plan beyond 2022 for JACWs in a comprehensive, complete and accurate approach, so as to restore a safe and clean environment to the Chinese people at an early date.
Question: I have three questions. Firstly, according to British Defense Minister, the HMS Prince of Wales will be deployed to the Indo-Pacific region in 2025. The website of British Ministry of Defense released information that a series of major military exercises, including the multinational joint exercise RIMPAC 2024 it recently participated in, showcased its commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. What's your take on that? Secondly, it is reported that on August 26th, the Southern Theater Command dispatched ground forces to front-line areas such as Ruili and Zhen Kang to conduct armed patrols and air-ground integrated patrols, aiming to maintain the security and stability of the border area. In addition, the Southern Theater Command dispatched ground and air forces to carry out joint live-fire exercises on the Chinese side of the China-Myanmar border starting from August 27th. Could you please tell us the significance of such drills and exercises? Thirdly, it is reported that Admiral Sameul Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, claimed that US military vessels escorting Philippine ships for its resupply mission in the South China Sea is an entirely reasonable option. What's your comment on that? What's the attitude of the Chinese military?
Wu Qian: On your first question, we firmly oppose any country outside of the region travelling thousands of miles to the Asia-Pacific to flex muscles and stir up troubles. Should the British side deploy its aircraft carrier to the Asia-Pacific region, it would neither contribute to regional peace and stability strategically, nor make any tactical sense. We request the British side not to showcase presence with false pretexts and not to provoke confrontation for no reason.
On your second question, recently the PLA Southern Theater Command dispatched ground and air forces to conduct such drills as armed patrols, air-ground integrated patrols, and joint live-fire exercises on the Chinese side of the China-Myanmar border. Such drills are arranged in accordance with the annual training plan, with an aim to testing the capability of the theater command troops for rapid maneuver, reconnaissance and early warning, multi-dimensional blockade and fire strike, as well as safeguarding our national sovereignty, stability in the border areas, and our people's lives and property. We need to reiterate that as the biggest neighbor of Myanmar, no other country wants a stable Myanmar more than China. We have been closely following the situation in Myanmar and the ongoing conflicts in northern Myanmar, and will continue to play a constructive role for Myanmar’s peace and reconciliation process.
On your third question, records have proved again that the US is the biggest backstage manipulator in stirring up troubles in the South China Sea. Attempts to intimidate China in the name of bilateral treaties will never work.
As for the attitude of the Chinese military, I am wondering if you've heard about a newly launched Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong. Sun Wukong, or commonly known as the Monkey King, is a symbol of Chinese culture. I watched many movies and TV series about Sun Wukong when I was little, and two lyrics from the popular TV series have left a lasting impression on me – we will blaze a broad path by overcoming all the difficulties, and set out again for our mission. They encapsulate the attitude of the Chinese military.
Question: I have two questions. The first is about the Xiangshan Forum. Just now you briefed us that the 11th Xiangshan Forum will be held from September 12th to 14th. As of August 28th, official delegations from more than 90 countries have confirmed their attendance. My question is, have the representatives from Russia and the US confirmed their participation? What kind of delegation will Russia send? Last year, Cythia Carras, a senior official for China policy at the Pentagon attended the forum. Has the US side already specified their representatives? Will the US elevate the level of their participation since China and the US have resumed military talks? The second question is regarding combat-readiness patrols conducted by the PLA. According to media outlets in Taiwan, PLA drones conducting combat-readiness patrols entered the so-called "24 nautical miles" of Taiwan. There were earlier reports that PLA aircraft flew even closer to Taiwan. However, according to Taiwan's defense authorities, no PLA aircraft or drones entered the "24 nautical miles". What is your response?
Wu Qian: On your first question. The host of the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum sent invitations to the defense departments and militaries of more than 100 countries, including the US and Russia. As far as I know, both the US and Russia will send representatives to the forum. We also look forward to greater participation from other countries.
On your second question, I don't think it's an issue of entering 24 or 12 nautical miles of Taiwan. Instead, it is about zero tolerance and mercy toward "Taiwan Independence".
Question: It's reported that US President Joe Biden approved in March a highly classified nuclear strategy which, for the first time, reoriented America's nuclear deterrent strategy toward "the expanding nuclear arsenal of China". The US side also said that it would dramatically expand its strategic nuclear arsenal starting from February 2026, when the US-Russia New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) would expire, so as to simultaneously counter challenges posed by nuclear-weapon states including Russia, China, Iran and the DPRK. Do you have any comment?
Wu Qian: China firmly opposes the US expanding its nuclear arsenal and shirking responsibilities for nuclear disarmament on the pretext of the non-existent "China nuclear threat". China pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense and keeps its nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security. It is known to all that the US is in possession of the largest nuclear arsenal in the world and it follows a nuclear policy that allows first-use of nuclear weapons. In recent years, the US has invested heavily to miniaturize nuclear weapons for real combat and exercised "double standard" on nuclear proliferation, which severely threatens global strategic stability. We urge the US to abandon Cold-War mentality, further reduce its nuclear arsenal in a substantive manner, stop proliferating nuclear material and technology, refrain from extending nuclear deterrence or expanding nuclear alliance, and take concrete actions to promote global peace and stability.
Question: It is reported that the final of the first Military Translation Challenge of the Chinese Armed Forces was held recently at the International Studies College of National University of Defense Technology. Please brief us more details on it.
Wu Qian: On August 25th, the final of the first Military Translation Challenge of the Chinese Armed Forces was held at the International Studies College of National University of Defense Technology. The competition aims at improving defense language capabilities, discovering high-caliber language talent, and serving military preparedness. Under the theme of "Sharpen Language Skills for Combat, Secure the Future with Wisdom", the competition featured foreign language usage in realistic military scenarios that would be conducive to foreign language skills training of the troops. In organizing this competition, realistic translation and interpretation texts/audios were selected for relevant contests, military-wide participants were invited, and the outcome of this competition will be utilized to serve the troops.
Translation goes beyond language capability and contributes to combat power. This competition promoted joint talent cultivation by military academies and the troops, set a testing standard focusing on real combat scenarios, and combined theory with practice in an effective manner. It played a positive role in enhancing defense language capability of the troops and military academies.
Question: I have three questions. Firstly, it is reported that the Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Greater Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion was signed under the framework of AUKUS. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense of Australia said that the agreement will enable AUKUS partners to share nuclear materials and information. What's your comment? Secondly, it is reported that PLA Army Commander General Li Qiaoming paid a visit to Russia at the invitation of his Russian counterpart. The Russian side said that the two sides discussed issues related to military cooperation. Could you please confirm and give us more details? Thirdly, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, on August 26th, a Chinese aircraft entered the airspace of an island in southwestern Japan. What's your comment?
Wu Qian: On your first question, the US, the UK and Australia set up the so-called AUKUS, and signed a cooperation agreement on nuclear propulsion to greenlight the transfer of nuclear-powered submarine reactors, as well as a large number of weapons-grade highly enriched uranium from nuclear-weapon states to non-nuclear-weapon states. Such acts severely undermine the international non-proliferation regime, gravely provoke nuclear arms race around the world, and seriously jeopardize regional peace and stability. It has triggered strong concern in the international community, with lots of questions raised by the Australian people themselves. We urge relevant parties to earnestly listen to the insightful and visionary voices from the international community, abandon their obsession with the Cold War and zero-sum mentality, and refrain from going further down the wrong and dangerous path.
On your second question, according to annual military exchange plans and at the invitation of General Oleg Salyukov, Russian Ground Forces Commander, and General Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, General Li Qiaoming, the PLA Army Commander, led a delegation to visit Russia and Pakistan from August 21st to 28th. During the visits, he paid a courtesy call to the Pakistani President and Prime Minister, held talks with defense and army leaders of the two countries, and exchanged ideas on promoting practical cooperation with the two armies. What needs to be emphasized is that the Chinese military is ready to strengthen exchanges and expand cooperation with foreign militaries around the world, and work together to safeguard world peace.
On your third question, we have noticed relevant reports. There is ongoing communication between the Chinese and Japanese side through diplomatic channel. China respects the sovereignty of all countries and we hope relevant parties do not over-interpret the issue.
Question: According to the Reuters, military exercises and drills conducted by the PLA in West Pacific in 2023 cost a total amount of $15.3 billion, accounting for 7% of China's defense budget. In addition, the Joint Sword-2024A exercise in May cost $13.17 million. What's your comment?
Wu Qian: I don't know where these data come from, and they sound not credible. I would like to reiterate that the PLA will continue to strengthen military training and combat readiness to counter "Taiwan independence" and promote national reunification. We will firmly safeguard our national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Question: It is reported that when debriefing the 2025 budget report, Lai Ching-te claimed that the 2025 defense budget of Taiwan would reach NT$ 647 billion(approximately US$19.76 billion), a record high, and that Taiwan had the resolve to upgrade self-defense capabilities. In addition, Taiwan media outlets recently disclosed a picture of Qingtian-2, a new generation of Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) in Research and Development (R&D) by Taiwan's military, and claimed it could strengthen their so-called source strike capability. What's your comment?
Wu Qian: As a province of China, Taiwan is not entitled to have a defense budget. It is worth noting that peace will not be achievable as long as the DPP authorities seek "Taiwan Independence". The more blatantly it provokes, the more quickly it will perish. On issues concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity, no one should have any illusion that the PLA will ever hesitate or back down. Once the PLA takes action, everyone should be assured that it would be resolute and fierce. The so-called self-defense capabilities of the "Taiwan Independence" armed forces will be crushed by the PLA.
Question: It's reported that more than 50 PLA aircraft and vessels were sent to navigate around the Taiwan region last Friday, which coincides with Lai Ching-te's first visit to Kinmen since he took office. According to Taiwan's defense authorities, more than 38 aircraft have been detected in the so-called Air Defense Identification Zone of the island, a record high in recent weeks. What's your comment?
Wu Qian: Taiwan is part of China. The PLA's exercises in the waters and airspace around the Taiwan island are targeted at the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and serve as a deterrence to the interference of external forces. Such position has been consistent and clear-cut.
Question: It's reported that the Great Wall-2024 International Forum on Counter-terrorism hosted by the Chinese People's Armed Police Force (PAP) is ongoing in Beijing. Representatives from foreign counterparts participated in the forum. Could you please share with us more information?
Wu Qian: The Great Wall-2024 International Forum on Counter-terrorism, scheduled from August 27th to 30th, is taking place in Beijing. More than 320 delegates from both China and over 50 foreign countries participated in the event. The forum aims to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the PAP and its foreign counterparts, and to strengthen global cooperation in counter-terrorism operations. Under the theme of Unmanned Counter-terrorism Operations, the forum covers 3 topics, ranging from equipment and operational methods to training and talent cultivation in unmanned counter-terrorism operations. A number of outcomes on counter-terrorism operation theories and best practices have emerged from the ongoing discussions. In addition, the forum has witnessed the demonstration of training subjects, exhibition of unmanned systems and a concert named Victory Fanfare, achieving its expected objectives.
Question: It's reported that the Qiangjun Cup competition was recently held in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, with more than 500 cadets of 38 delegations from military academies participating. During the same period, the Army Infantry Academy held the Gun Master Challenge. Please tell us more about the two events.
Wu Qian: The Qiangjun Cup competition is a military-wide sports event organized by the Central Military Commission (CMC) Training and Administration Department. It aims to promote sports in the military, enhance athleticism of service members and strengthen combat readiness. In this year's competition, widely-popular military sports such as cross-country orienteering, naval pentathlon and basketball were included. In addition, online appointments were open to the public for the first time and more than 12,000 people watched the games on site, with an average of over 2 million online viewers per session.
The Gun Master Challenge is designed to select and cultivate talent in shooting, and improve the shooting skills and combat capabilities of the military. The challenge comprised of subject demonstrations and shooting contests. The demonstration subjects focused on manned and unmanned systems, integrated reconnaissance and strike, multi-dimensional breakin and coordinated combat firing. The shooting contests consisted of three tracks using three different types of firearms. The three tracks focused on precision shooting, rapid firing and long-distance sniping respectively, so as to demonstrate the proficiency and competence in shooting of young officers and soldiers in the new era.
Question: It's reported that a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship has been anchored in the lagoon of China's Xianbin Jiao for a period of time. Not long ago, the Philippines sent multiple resupply missions, which were all thwarted by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in accordance with law. The spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that the maneuvers of the Chinese side jeopardized the safety of Philippine crew members and violated international law. The US side claimed that the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea. What's your comment?
Wu Qian: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Xianbin Jiao. Since its intrusion this April, PCG vessel 9701 has been illegally anchored in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao. Such an act seriously violates China's sovereignty, breaches international law and the stipulations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and undermines regional peace and stability. The Chinese side firmly opposes such activity and has lodged solemn representations multiple times. Seeking permanent presence at Xianbin Jiao by the Philippine side is no different from opening a Pandora's Box, which has aroused strong opposition from regional countries.
Since August 19th, PCG ships have repeatedly intruded into adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao, and deliberately took dangerous maneuvers to ram CCG vessels. The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law. Our maneuvers on the spot were professional and appropriate. The Chinese side is committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultations, but our tolerance does have a limit. The Philippine side should withdraw its ship and personnel as soon as possible, and restore the unoccupied status of Xianbin Jiao with no infrastructure. The Chinese side will continue to take resolute and effective measures to safeguard our territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests.
No country surpasses the US in stirring up trouble or disrupting peace and stability in the South China Sea. US support and endorsement has emboldened the Philippine side in making reckless provocations time and again. Intimidating the Chinese side with the Mutual Defense Treaty will never work. On the contrary, it will only result in stronger indignation and greater morale among the Chinese people.
Question: It is reported that recently, the Chinese, Tanzanian and Mozambican militaries held the "Peace Unity 2024" joint exercise. Could you please share with us more information on the exercise?
Wu Qian: The Chinese, Tanzanian and Mozambican militaries held the "Peace Unity 2024" joint exercise from July 29th to August 11th. The Chinese side deployed a battalion of ground forces and 3 surface vessels to join the event. The troops were transported through domestically-built Y-20 aircraft. Over 1,100 service members and 6 vessels of Tanzania and Mozambique participated in the exercise. Aiming at jointly upholding regional peace and stability, this exercise witnessed large-scale participating troops conducting comprehensive drills, demonstrating a high level of realistic combat readiness. The exercise was conducted both on land and at sea. In the operations on land, the Chinese and Tanzanian troops formed mixed teams, made operational decisions together and jointly operated multiple weapon platforms in a joint counter-terrorism scenario. In the operations at sea, the Chinese vessels sailed from north to south along the eastern coast of Africa. During the voyage, they conducted joint training on the subject of the protection of the sea lanes of communication as well as joint patrols with the Tanzanian and Mozambican navies respectively. During the exercise, the Chinese side organized a series of events, such as the Chinese Culture Day and deck reception, and provided medical services and donated materials, which were warmly received by the local people.
China, Tanzania and Mozambique are old and good friends. The Chinese military stands ready to work with militaries of African countries including Tanzania and Mozambique to carry forward traditional friendship and deepen pragmatic cooperation, so as to contribute more to regional peace and stability.
Question: Recently, the PLA Air Force attended the Egypt Air Show and conducted flying performances. Not long ago, China conducted army and navy joint exercises in Tanzania with African countries for the first time. In addition, the PLA Navy also visited Morocco and Egypt. My question is, do the above-mentioned activities imply that China is playing a bigger role in maintaining peace in Africa?
Wu Qian: Thanks for your question. Your Chinese is very fluent. In recent years, under the guidance of Chinese and African state leaders, China and Africa have conducted all-dimensional, multi-tiered and high-quality cooperation across the board. Practical cooperation between Chinese and African militaries has made steady progress in terms of high-level exchanges, joint training and exercises, professional exchanges, and maritime security, which have yielded fruitful outcomes. Going forward, the Chinese military will continue to follow the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, strengthen strategic communication and practical cooperation with African militaries to enhance the quality and efficiency of defense cooperation, jointly implement the Global Security Initiative and make a bigger contribution to safeguarding regional peace and stability and building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
Question: According to reports, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) today. Mr. Sullivan said he hoped to extend bilateral military dialogues to the theater command level, so as to avoid conflicts across the Taiwan Strait. What topics were discussed during the meeting? Was the Taiwan question involved?
Wu Qian: The Taiwan question was certainly discussed during the meeting this morning. General Zhang Youxia emphasized that the Taiwan question was at the core of China's core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed. China is committed to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. However, the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces are as incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as fire with water. It is the duty of the PLA to counter "Taiwan independence" and promote reunification. The PLA will take countermeasures against audacious provocations made by the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The Chinese side urges the US side to stop military collusion with Taiwan, stop arms sale to Taiwan and stop spreading false narratives on the Taiwan question.
Question: I have two questions. Firstly, according to the US Navy, AIM-174B, a new type of long-range air-to-air missile, has already been deployed for operation. Some experts say if the missile were deployed in the Indo-Pacific region, it would reduce China's advantage in air strikes and break the balance in the South China Sea, and would also increase the possibility for US involvement in major conflicts across the Taiwan Strait. What's your comment on that? My second question is that on August 26th, the US Police Force cooperated with the Taiwan Coast Guard and sent a mobile training team (MTT) to provide a ten-day training course in Taiwan. It is analyzed that this program is intended to break the "isolation of Taiwan" created by the China Coast Guard. Do you have any comment?
Wu Qian: On your first question, taking China as an imaginary enemy, the US has beefed up forward military deployment in the Asia-Pacific and stoked up confrontation and tensions in the region in recent years. We firmly oppose such approach. We urge the US side to abandon the outdated Cold War mentality and geopolitical rivalry mindset, and do more things that are conducive to peace and stability in the region and the world.
On your second question, the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China and brooks no foreign interference. We urge the US to immediately stop any official engagement and military contact with Taiwan in any form. The PLA will remain highly vigilant and take firm actions to thwart any foreign interference and secessionist attempt for "Taiwan independence".
Question: It is reported that Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara recently visited the Yasukuni Shrine, and officers from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) training ship also paid a collective visit to it this May. What's your comment?
Wu Qian: The Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarists' war of aggression. These visits show that although 79 years have passed since Japan surrendered, there are still militarist leftovers in Japan. In recent years, the Japanese side has hollowed out its Pacifist Constitution, breached its exclusively defense-oriented policy, considerably increased its defense budget, and stepped up military collusion with countries outside the region. Japan is going down the dangerous path of expanding military capabilities, which has raised high vigilance among its neighboring counties and the international community.
Forgetting history is nothing less than betrayal. We urge the Japanese side to earnestly face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, so as to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions. We will never allow the militarism to stage a comeback.
Question: Recently the Philippines made a high profile deployment of patrol gunboats and marine corps in the South China Sea. The US military also claimed it would upgrade the Basa Air Base in the Philippines to increase its presence in the South China Sea, and strengthen cooperation with the Philippines, which may heighten tensions in the South China Sea. Do you have any comment?
Wu Qian: We have noticed relevant reports. The actions taken by the Philippines and the US have once again demonstrated who the real saboteur to peace and stability in the region are. The Chinese military will continue to take resolute and strong measures to safeguard our national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.