Defense Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Recent Media Queries Concerning the Military

On the afternoon of September 14th, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense Senior Colonel Wu Qian answered recent media queries concerning the military.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of September 14, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by He Youwen)

(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

I have four pieces of news at the top.

The first one.

The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum was held in Beijing from September 12th to 14th. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the forum. In the letter, he encouraged all participants of the forum to build stronger consensus and deepen mutual trust in the spirit of equality, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual learning, so as to make greater contributions to collectively addressing global security challenges and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

More than 1800 participants from 100-plus countries and international organizations attended the forum, including 34 representatives of ministers or military chiefs, as well as experts and scholars. Under the theme of Promoting Peace for a Shared Future, they pooled wisdom and conducted in-depth exchanges and equal dialogues in 4 plenary sessions and 8 simultaneous special sessions, reaching broad consensus on jointly safeguarding peace and tranquility. The forum further strengthened South-South cooperation and facilitated North-South cooperation. Other activities were also arranged during the forum, such as interviews, dialogues and visits to an exhibition on science and technology innovation.

This year's forum is about to end. We sincerely hope that representatives and friends from all countries will continue to follow and participate in future activities of the forum, thereby contributing more positive factors to world peace and stability.

The second one.

According to relevant work plans, the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission will send a PLA delegation on international communication to Brazil in late September to organize Chinese Military Culture Week (CMCW). Under the theme of Safeguarding Peace for a Shared Future, relevant activities will be held in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro, including policy dialogue, photo exhibition, military band performance, and China Day cultural exchange. The CMCW is intended to illustrate the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, elaborate the three major initiatives (the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative), and demonstrate the fine traditional Chinese military culture and the culture of building a strong military in the new era. It will enhance China-Brazil strategic mutual trust and traditional friendship, and step up cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two countries. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Exchange activities between the two militaries, such as high-level interactions, joint exercises and training, personnel training and multilateral cooperation, have deepened and enriched the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil.

The third one.

The PLA Army Engineering University will host the 5th International Army Forum on Military Education in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, from September 23rd to 29th. Representatives from nearly 20 countries, including Argentina, Spain, Laos, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, will attend the forum. Under the theme of Cultivating Army Officers for Joint Military Operations, the forum will include three plenary sessions: Capability Required for Army Officers in Joint Military Operations, Joint Education and Training Program for Army Officers, and Conditions Required for Joint Training and Exercises in Military Academies. The forum aims to study and explore the trend in military education, share best practices and latest achievements, and promote international exchanges and cooperation on military education between Chinese and foreign military academies.

The fourth one.

The PLA Naval Aviation University will hold the Deep Blue Engine international midshipmen leadership camp in Yantai City, Shandong Province in late September. Under the theme of Leadership Cultivation for Future Naval Officers, the camp will serve as a platform for international exchanges between midshipmen. Midshipmen from countries including Cuba, Indonesia, Nigeria and Russia will be invited to join their Chinese counterparts in a one-week interactive and immersive training camp, during which they will participate in more than 20 activities, such as leadership training, seminars and exchanges, visits to military and civilian venues. They will also have a chance to experience traditional Chinese culture.

Question: Taking time out of his busy schedule during a state visit to China and attendance at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) not long ago, Zimbabwean President Mnangawa paid a visit to the PLA Army Command College in Nanjing. Can you please tell us more about his visit and the future development of China-Africa defense and security cooperation?

Wu Qian: The FOCAC Beijing Summit was successfully held from September 4th to 6th. More than 50 heads of state or heads of government from Africa gathered in Beijing to discuss and promote China-Africa friendship and cooperation in the new era. In his important keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Summit, President Xi Jinping proposed jointly building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Share Future for the New Era, and announced ten partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation, all of which were well received by the African leaders. The Chinese military is ready to work with the militaries of African countries to deliver on the guiding principles of the summit, implement the Partnership Action for Common Security, enhance friendly exchanges at all levels, and jointly act on the Global Security Initiative, so as to make greater contributions to peace and security of the region and the world.

During his visit to China, Zimbabwean President Mnangawa paid a visit to the PLA Army Command College, where he studied 60 years ago. He reminisced about the time when the Chinese and African people fought side by side in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and hegemonism. In the middle of last century, a group of young officers from African countries including President Mnangawa came to China's military academies to study. After graduation, they devoted themselves to the cause of national liberation and the building of their militaries, bringing back with them what they had learned and experienced in China to their fellow officers and men, some of whom later became leaders of their country or its armed forces. Such stories vividly demonstrate the resilience of China-Africa friendship, which has grown stronger through generations.

Question: Recently, super typhoon Yagi successively landed in Hainan's Wenchang City and Guangdong's Xuwen County, causing serious damages along its path. Officers and men of the PLA and the PAP, as well as militia personnel carried out disaster relief operations. Could you please provide us with more information?

Wu Qian: Recently, super typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc in provinces including Hainan and Guangdong. President Xi Jinping has given his full attention to the situation and made important instructions on disaster relief operations, so as to protect people's lives and property. A natural disaster is an order for action, and the disaster-hit area is a battlefield for the troops. Following the important instructions of President Xi, personnel of the PLA, the PAP and the militia rushed to the affected areas. They made all-out efforts in disaster rescue and relief and were the first line of defense for the people against the disaster. As of September 13th, we had all together deployed 24,000 service members and 25,400 militia personnel, and mobilized over 2,100 sets of vehicles and engineering equipment. We have assisted in works including the relocation of affected residents, the removal of mud and the rush-repair of roads. The Chinese military will firmly act on the instructions of President Xi, step up military-civil coordination, and stay ready to protect people's lives and property.

Question: It is reported that the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) was invited to participate in the first Egypt International Airshow. During the event, the PLAAF formation consisting of Y-20 and J-10 aircraft flew over the pyramids, drawing extensive media attention. Please tell us more about this.

Wu Qian: Upon the invitation of the Egyptian Air Force, the PLAAF dispatched seven J-10 jets and one Y-20 aircraft of the Bayi Aerobatic Team to participate in the first Egypt International Airshow from August 27th to September 5th. It was the first time that the Bayi Aerobatic Team had performed in an African country. It was also an overseas performance that took the Team furthest away from the homeland. Before the official opening of the airshow, the PLAAF formation flew over the pyramids, leaving behind trails of colors of the national flags of China and Egypt. The performance bore witness not only to a historic moment when the PLAAF formation appeared above the pyramids, but also to the deep traditional friendship between China and Egypt. The Y-20 made its debut in an overseas airshow at the opening ceremony, and was exhibited throughout the show. The stunning performance of the Bayi Aerobatic Team won extensive applause, demonstrating the confidence and openness of the PLAAF. The airshow also boosted cultural exchanges and friendly interactions between China and Egypt and the two militaries.

Question: It's reported that the spokesperson of Philippines' National Maritime Council (NMC) claimed that the Philippine side would not leave Xianbin Jiao, and the patrol and supply missions would be continued. In addition, in response to actions China has taken against the Philippines' activities in the South China Sea, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated the US's steadfast commitment to the Philippines during a phone call with his Philippine counterpart. What's your comment?

Wu Qian: Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao, is China's inherent territory. The Chinese side takes rights-protection and law-enforcement operations in relevant areas. They are completely legitimate, lawful and professional. The US is not a party concerned in the South China Sea issue, and is in no position to interfere with maritime disputes between China and the Philippines, even less to undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests on the pretext of bilateral treaties. The current escalation in the South China Sea situation is caused by the Philippines who repeatedly made provocations and took reckless actions. The US, on the other hand, has continued to fan the flame and provoke confrontation. It needs to be emphasized that the Chinese side will take firm and effective countermeasures against anyone who stirs up troubles in the South China Sea or infringes upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Question: Taiwan's defense authorities recently stated that the PLA is not yet capable of waging an all-out war against Taiwan, given the demanding geographical environment of the Taiwan Strait and its lack of landing vessels and logistics. Please comment on that.

Wu Qian: What the DPP authorities said is ridiculous and delusional. China's reunification is an overwhelming trend of history that cannot be stopped by anyone or any force. The PLA has reliable means to be where we need to fight, and is capable of foiling any resistance by military elements of the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. We will firmly defend China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Question: According to reports, German Defense Minister said that two German naval vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait. German officials noted that this passage was to maintain freedom of navigation. What is your comment?

Wu Qian: On September 13th, two German warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait and later hyped up the issue. Naval and air force troops of the PLA Eastern Theater Command monitored the German warships throughout the transit. Freedom of navigation does not equal willful trespassing, nor should it be used to provoke China or harm China's sovereignty and security. The Chinese military remains on high alert and will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.