Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on September 26

By Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Deputy Director General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. (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.)

Zhang Xiaogang: I have four things at the top.

Firstly, at the invitation of the Ministry of National Defense of Laos, the rotating chair of ASEAN, a working group of China's Ministry of National Defense attended the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials' Meeting-Plus in Vientiane on September 26th. During the meeting, the Chinese side had discussions with representatives of other parties on international and regional security landscape, and advocated to jointly promote the Global Security Initiative, strengthen strategic communication and deepen defense cooperation to consolidate regional peace and stability.

Secondly, China's Ministry of National Defense hosted the 21st Expert Working Group (EWG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting in PLA National Defense University in Beijing from September 25th to 26th. Representatives from SCO member states and the Secretariat exchanged views on military cooperation at the event. This is the first EWG meeting under the SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting hosted by China after its assumption of the rotating presidency. It's also the first time for Belarus to attend such a meeting in person as a full member of the SCO.

Thirdly, at the invitation of the South African Navy, PLA Navy ship (PLANS) Xuchang from the 46th naval task group for escort missions will participate in the International Navy Day in Cape Town in early October. During the event, PLANS Xuchang will participate in the international fleet review and host an Open Day activity. In addition, it will join the South African Navy for a maritime drill.

Fourthly, the Chinese government and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will co-host the third training course on medical aspects of assistance and protection against chemical weapons in PLA Air Force Medical University from October 13th to 19th. Over 30 participants from more than 20 State Parties of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) including Germany, Brazil and Morocco will take part in the training. They will focus on such topics as the symptoms, diagnose and treatment of chemical weapons poisoning, classification of the injured by chemical weapons and their transportation, and organization and implementation of medical rescue in dealing with chemical weapons. In the spirit of the CWC, the course is to strengthen rescue and response capabilities against chemical weapons, enhance capacity-building in medical protection and treatment, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Question: There are growing interaction between the Chinese and US militaries in recent time. The commanders of the PLA Southern Theatre Command and US Indo-PACOM had a video phone call. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China attended the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum and the two sides had the 18th Defense Policy Coordination Talks. What's your comment on the current China-US mil-mil relations and what interaction the two sides will have in the future?

Zhang Xiaogang: President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful meeting in San Francisco last November, and the two leaders talked on the phone this April. They have set the direction for a sound, stable and sustainable China-US relationship. At present, there is a more stable momentum in the overall and defense relations between China and the US. The two militaries maintain high-level strategic communication, policy communication, institutionalized dialogues and exchanges in specialized fields. These engagements could help enhance mutual understanding, avoid miscalculation, and manage and control risks.

We require the US side to recalibrate its strategic perception on China, return to a sensible and practical China policy, and respect China's major concerns. The US should make concerted efforts with China in the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation to stabilize and improve the mil-mil relationship through candid, effective and constructive dialogues and cooperation.

Question: I have two questions. Firstly, a recent statement by the US Indo-PACOM urges China to reconsider using dangerous and coercive strategies that may escalate tensions in the South China Sea and other regions. What's your comment? Secondly, at the news conference of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition yesterday, the deputy commander of the PLA Air Force said that many new types of aircraft developed by the PLAAF in recent years will be exhibited this time. Netizens are all eager to see the H-20 bomber. Can you provide us with more information?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, it is the US and its allies who are creating risks. Their vessels and aircraft have conducted frequent close-in reconnaissance in China's vicinity, trespassed into China's territorial seas or administered maritime and air space, harassed routine exercises of the Chinese side, and took irresponsible and dangerous moves. These operations severely undermine China's sovereignty and security interests, put the safety of Chinese and their own personnel in peril, and jeopardize regional peace and stability. According to preliminary statistics, by September this year, the US military has sent about 1500 sorties of aircraft to China's vicinity for reconnaissance or harassment, which fully showcased that the US side is the provocative and disruptive actor.

We urge the US side stop false narratives, stop dangerous and provocative operations, and strictly discipline its troops operating in the area. The Chinese military remains on high alert and will take all legitimate and necessary measures to respond to provocation and safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests.

On your second question, I think relevant departments will release information in due course and you can follow that.

Question: On the morning of September 25th, China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific after 44 years. Does this mean that China is accelerating the development of its nuclear forces? Will there be any change in China's nuclear policy?

Zhang Xiaogang: This ICBM launch is to test our weapon and training performance. It is a legitimate and routine arrangement for military training. China's nuclear policy is very stable, consistent and predictable. We strictly follow a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and pursue a nuclear strategy of self-defense. China does not seek any arms race in this area. We have promised not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against no-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China will continue to keep its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, 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 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

Question: The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress recently approved the National Defense Education Law(NDEL), which will come into effect on September 21. Please give us more details about the amendment of this law.

Zhang Xiaogang: Defense makes a country secure and its people safe. The amendment of the NDEL focuses on four aspects. Firstly, it explicitly laid out the principle of CPC leadership over national defense education in building a national defense education system with centralized and unified leadership, clear division of responsibilities, and civil-military coordination. Secondly, it emphasizes the combination of national defense education at school and military service publicity. Requirements have been put in place to improve national defense education at school to raise students' awareness of performing military service in accordance with the law. Thirdly, it regulates that the Outline for Military Training for Students be co-drafted by relevant State Council agencies for education and relevant CMC organs. Higher educational institutes and high schools are required to organize military training based on the Outline, so that they learn basic self-defense skills, be tempered in their will and have a proper sense of discipline. Fourthly, it made provisions to expand the scope and channels for defense education. Local governments, on occasions of major festivals, commemorative days and thematic events, may carry out activities on national defense education, so that the whole society cares for national defense and acts accordingly.

Question: According to media reports, the US Army Secretary said that he discussed with Japan's Defense Minister about deploying US Army multi-domain special task groups during his recent visit to Japan. Some analysts say it means the US may deploy Typhon mid-range missile system to Japan. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: We are closely following relevant moves. US deployment of mid-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region will intensify arms race, threaten regional countries and undermine global strategic balance. China is firmly opposed to it. What Asia-Pacific needs is peace and prosperity rather than conflict and confrontation. We urge the US side to stop this dangerous move and do not create tensions in the region. The Japanese side should stay cautious and do not invite the wolf into the house. Otherwise, it would only plunge itself into a dangerous situation. The Chinese side will take resolute and effective measures to respond in accordance with the developments of the situation and our self-defense requirements.

Question: The US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell recently said at a meeting of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee that China poses the greatest challenge to the United States and the China threat is more serious than the Cold War. The 2022 National Defense Strategy Review issued by the Commission on the National Defense Strategy said that the United States, due to its outdated defense strategy, imbalanced military structure, and inadequate capacity of the defense industry, is unable to handle the dual threats from China and Russia. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: In recent years, by perceiving China with its own hegemonic mindset and treating the Chinese military as a rival and threat, the US has gone too far in playing up the alleged "China military threat". Its intention is nothing more than finding an excuse for expanding its own military power. China has been consistently opposed to US Cold War thinking, and to its narratives and actions that intensify confrontation and undermine China's strategic security and interests.

China is a contributor to world peace and development, and a defender of the international order. We stay committed to a defensive defense policy. China's defense and military modernization is to safeguard its own security and interests and contributes to world peace. Records have shown that the US side is the biggest challenge to world peace and a source of future global warfare. Playing the China card won't help the US to solve its own problems. We require the US to have a sensible and objective view on China and China's military development and strategic intentions. It should put more efforts on things that can help shore up China-US bilateral relations and consolidate regional peace and stability.

Question: On September 21st and 22nd, the 2024 Quad Leaders Summit were held. China was not called out in the joint statement released after the summit. However, it claimed that there have been coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea. It also announced to launch a Quad-at-sea Ship Observer Mission by the coast guards of the four countries next year. What's your comment, please?

Zhang Xiaogang: Relevant joint statement uses vague languages to cover its malicious intention to target China. It needs to be emphasized that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters. It is completely legitimate, justified and beyond reproach for China to carry out law-enforcement operations in waters and airspace under our jurisdiction. Though not directly concerned in the South China Sea issue, the US, Japan, India and Australia are resorting to microphone diplomacy, attempting to implicate and smear China and stir up troubles and mislead the public. In particular, the US has deployed offensive weapons in the region, hooked in its allies in frequent military exercises, and conducted close-in reconnaissance against China's islands and reefs. Talking about coercion, bullying, and bloc confrontation in the South China Sea, no country deserves such labels more than the US.

Joint maritime patrols carried out by relevant countries should contribute to regional peace and stability, rather than harm the interests of any third party. The Chinese side is firmly opposed to actions that may stir up troubles and escalate tensions in the South China Sea. We will firmly defend our own sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interest, and staunchly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Question: Both China and India have recently made positive statements about de-escalating the situation in their border areas. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also spoke of disengagement of troops in four areas, including the Galwan Valley. There is a great deal of expectation that there will be disengagement in other areas along the border. What is your comment, please？

Zhang Xiaogang: For a certain period of time, under the guidance of the two state leaders, China and India have maintained close communications with each other through diplomatic and military channels. Such communications were conducted between the two foreign ministers and the Chinese foreign minister and the Indian national security adviser, through the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs, and through the Corps Commander Level Meetings. Such discussions and communications have enabled the two sides to reduce differences and build consensus. Both sides have agreed to strengthen dialogues, accommodate each other's legitimate concerns, and reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date. In the absence of such a solution, the two sides will continue to to build on what has already been achieved, strictly abide by bilateral agreements and confidence-building measures on border issues, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility along the border.

Question: I have two questions. Firstly, Chinese and Nepalese militaries conducted a joint training, the Sagarmatha Friendship-2024, in late September in China's Chongqing. Can you give us more details? Second, the PLA used a Z-9 helicopter to stop and dispel an intruding Philippine reconnaissance aircraft from Huangyan Dao. What is your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, the Sagarmatha Friendship-2024 joint military training between the Chinese and Nepalese militaries are still ongoing. With troops in mixed units, this training focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations in urban neighborhoods. It covers multiple subjects including multidimensional search, check point setting and blockade, stalking, armed rescue, evacuation under cover, and assault and identification. Alongside the training, the two sides also organized activities such as sports games, art performance and cultural exchanges. Sagarmatha Friendship is a signature program between the Chinese and Nepalese militaries, this year is its fourth edition. The PLA will work with the Nepalese side to strengthen military trust and substantive cooperation, and build a closer China-Nepal community of a shared future in the new era.

On your second question, the Huangyan Dao is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over it and its adjacent waters. The Philippine side sent public or military vessels and aircraft to intrude into the airspace and maritime waters of Huangyan Dao multiple times without the approval of the Chinese side, which seriously violated China's sovereignty and undermined regional peace and stability. The Chinese side has taken necessary measures in accordance with law to stop and dispel these Philippine ships and aircraft. Our operations have been professional and restrained. We will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in Huangyan Dao.

Question: It is reported that on September 25th, a frigate from the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force had a transit through the Taiwan Strait. Does the Chinese side know about this? What is your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: On September 25th, Japanese destroyer Sazanami, Australian destroyer HMAS Sydney, and New Zealand's supply ship HMNZS Aotearoa transited the Taiwan Strait. The PLA monitored the whole transit and stayed on alert. We are opposed to provocations in the name of "freedom of navigation", which sent wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and undermine China's sovereignty and security.

The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China and it brooks no foreign interference. We urge relevant countries to respect the one-China principle, stop stirring up troubles, and stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The PLA will remain on high alert and take all necessary measures to counter any threat and provocation.

Question: I have two questions. Firstly, according to media reports, the Russian military has sent maritime and air forces to participate in the Beibu Unity-2024. Can you give us more details on the exercise? Secondly, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship 9701 has withdrawn from Xianbin Jiao, and the PCG said it would send another ship to the reef so that it wound not become a second Huangyan Dao. Philippine Defense Secretary said that if China forcefully removes the Philippine ship grounded at Ren'ai Jiao, it would be an act of war. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: According to this year's cooperation plan between Chinese and Russian militaries, the Russian military participated in Exercise Beibu Unity-2024 organized by the PLA Northern Theater Command in relevant waters and airspace of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk from September 10th to 27th. More than 10 vessels and over 30 aircraft from the two sides were involved. The exercise is an effective test on interoperability of the two militaries in tactical commanding and joint operations. It further deepened strategic coordination between the two militaries, and contributed to maintaining regional peace and stability and addressing security challenges.

After the exercise, relevant Chinese and Russian navy task groups will conduct joint maritime patrols in relevant waters of the Pacific.

On your second question, the Philippine side recently pulled out PCG 9701 which had been illegally anchored in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao. It is the only right way forward for the Philippine side, and is conducive to restoring peace and stability in relevant waters. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Ren'ai Jiao and Xianbin Jiao. We will take firm countermeasures against any act that infringes China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Actions that violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and undermine regional peace and stability are unwelcomed. We urge the Philippine side not to have any illusion or miscalculation, and stop making any risky and futile provocations.

Question: It is reported that China has recently sent marine troops to Brazil to participate in Exercise Formosa- 2024, a multilateral exercise. Can you give us more details?

Zhang Xiaogang: A contingent from the PLAN Marine Corps participated in the Exercise Formosa-2024 multinational joint exercise in Brazil recently. The subject of the exercise is joint landing and counter-landing operations. It is the first time for China to participate in the exercise, and the Chinese troops had good exchanges with other participating forces. The exercise helped build trust and friendship, and strengthened the capability of participating countries in jointly addressing security challenges.

Question: According to media reports, the Chinese military recently hosted demining courses for Cambodia and Laos. Can you give us more information?

Zhang Xiaogang: The PLA Army Engineering University hosted two demining courses for personnel from Cambodia and Laos respectively from July 1st to September 27th. Senior delegations from Cambodia and Laos, and representatives from the UN Mine Action Service, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center attended the graduation ceremony, and spoke highly of the courses as well as the graduation drills.

Cambodia and Laos are the most severely affected countries by mines. The Chinese military attaches great importance to international cooperation on demining, and takes cooperation and assistance on Humanitarian Mine Action as an important step for building a community with a shared future for mankind and implementing the Global Security Initiative. Over the past 20-plus years, we have trained over 700 demining professionals from more than 20 countries, and sent expert groups abroad to conduct on-site teaching multiple times. The Chinese military will continue to strengthen substantive cooperation with militaries in the region, and make contributions to international humanitarian mine action.

Question: Recently the promotional video Cui Huo (Being Tempered) received a lot of coverage from both domestic and foreign media. Can you give us more information?

Zhang Xiaogang: The promotional video Cuihuo (Being Tempered) co-produced by the CMC Political Work Department, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the China Media Group started airing on CCTV-1 on September 11th. It was simultaneously uploaded to major web portals and covered by more than 300 Chinese and foreign media. Views and clicks of the video have exceeded 5.3 billion. The video is a pilot project of the military to promote Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military online, and another masterpiece after two promotional videos Zhuiguang (Chasing Light) and Zhumeng (Following Dream).

Cuihuo is about how the military is raising political awareness and improving combat readiness. It tells touching and thought-provoking stories about ordinary service members from multiple perspectives, reflecting enhanced political loyalty of the people's military and its solidarity and confidence in building a strong military. The popularity of these promotional videos shows the strength of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, and the confidence and resolve of the Chinese military to achieve its centenary goal.

Question: Taiwan's defense authorities recently submitted to the legislative body its budget for 2025 which amounts to 667b TWD (148b RMB). According to another report, Taiwan's army will purchase many types of UAVs for monitoring and attack in urban battlefields. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: Sticking to its policy of seeking "Taiwan Independence", the DPP authorities have been ignoring public opinion, making irresponsible moves and going further down the dangerous path of seeking independence by force. The more they spend on purchasing weapons, the more insecure people in Taiwan will feel. This strategy will only push Taiwan closer to the brinks of war. We warn the DPP authorities that those who commit too many sins are doomed to self-destruction. More weapons will not change the desolate fate of Taiwan Independence. The PLA has full capabilities to smash all separatist attempts for "Taiwan Independence" and defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Question: What's the type of the ICBM launched yesterday by the PLA Rocket Force? What signal is the PLA trying to send to the international community?

Zhang Xiaogang: On the test launch of the ICBM, we have released information, and I have no more information to add. I want to emphasize that this test launch is in line with international law and practice, and is not directed at any specific country or target.

Question: According to reports, the first F-16V fighter Taiwan bought from the US will be delivered at the end of September. And 26 UAV manufacturers recently visited Taiwan. Chief of the Taipei Office of the America Institute in Taiwan said recently that there was a possibility for the US and Taiwan to jointly manufacture weapons. Meanwhile, some media reports said the US had given Taiwan large numbers of moldy bulletproof vests and expired ammunition. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: We are firmly opposed to any official and military contact between the US and China's Taiwan region. Currently, the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the separatist activities by the forces for "Taiwan Independence", and the tacit support provided by external forces. Whether it's US arms sale to Taiwan or the so-called joint manufacturing of weapons, the true purpose is never protecting Taiwan, but using the DPP authorities as a dumb cash machine to dump obsolete and stockpiled weapons that would only feed the US military-industrial complex. We warn the DPP authorities that the fate of a pawn is being abandoned. Those colluding with the US to endanger Taiwan will end up being punished by history and justice. The PLA will take all necessary measures to defeat any separatist attempt for "Taiwan Independence" and foreign interference.

Question: In the video Cui Huo, we heard a J-20 pilot saying in an interview that he can never forget the moment when he saw the Taiwan Island while flying in his aircraft. This sparked conjectures that the stealth fighter J-20 also participated in a patrol around Taiwan. Can you confirm that?

Zhang Xiaogang: Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. PLA fighters can go there anytime as they want. There is no need to be surprised.

Question: I have two questions. The first is about the continued tensions in Lebanon. Recently, the engineering detachment of the Chinese peacekeeping forces in Lebanon successfully cleared an undetonated rocket shell. What is your comment on the incident? Secondly, the national security adviser from the Philippines recently said that they plan to purchase mid-range missiles and will continue to use America's Typhon missile system for training, which means the system may continue to stay in the Philippines. What is your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, China is closely following the security situation in Lebanon. We will further strengthen the security protection of our troops.

On your second question, China has repeatedly made clear our opposition to the US deployment of mid-range missiles in the Philippines under the pretext of military exercises. We urge the US side to correct this wrong move and withdraw the missile system to fulfill its prior promise. The Philippine side should not have any miscalculation. Binding itself to the US chariot would only bring damages to itself. China has many options in our toolkit. We will take effective measures to respond in accordance with the development of the situation.

Question: I have two questions. Firstly, on September 26th, the defense authorities in Taiwan said that they monitored several PLA aircraft flying across the Taiwan Strait. Experts say the exercise was to prevent foreign interference. Can you tell us the purpose of this exercise? Secondly, about yesterday's ICBM launch, which countries has China informed beforehand? The Japanese government said that it was not informed. Can you comment on that? Some experts say that this launch may increase tensions in this region. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: On the first question, it is a legitimate right of the PLA to organize exercises and training in air and maritime spaces around the Taiwan Island. We will continue to strengthen combat readiness and regularly organize relevant military operations.

On your second question, the test launch of the ICBM by the PLA Rocket Force is consistent with international law and practices. Prior to the launch, we have issued warnings specifying the prohibited time and areas for navigation, and informed several countries in advance through military and diplomatic channels. This fully demonstrates the openness and transparency of the PLA.

Question: Japan's defense ministry announced a large-scale restructuring of its maritime self-defense force to establish a new marine corps and alert contingency troops. It also plans to increase defense budget and build a small satellite network. Some analysts say that Japan is making preparations for assisting a possible US intervention in the Taiwan Straits. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: We have noticed relevant moves by the Japanese side. In recent years, Japan has accelerated its combat forces restructuring and the build-up in new operational domains, and has developed long-range attack capabilities. There is a growing tendency in Japan to return to its militarist past, which violates its Pacifist Constitution and exclusively defense-oriented policy, and challenges the post-war international order. We urge the Japanese side to take lessons from history, be cautious in its words and deeds with regard to military build-up, and do more for regional peace and stability, instead of the opposite.

Question: I have two questions. Firstly, the US Navy recently issued a Strategic Guideline on Naval Operations that claimed the Chinese mainland has the greatest ship building capability in the world, and that the US should be prepared for a conflict with China in 2027. What is your comment? Secondly, the Chinese Ministry of State Security exposed a hacker organization called "Anonymous 64", claiming that people from this organization are from the Taiwan military. What is your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, I think this rhetoric from the US side exposes again its Cold War mindset and belligerent nature. I have to stress that China has no intention to challenge or replace the United States. The goal of our development is to deliver a better life for the Chinese people and provide new opportunities for world peace and growth. China is on the course to build a strong nation and realize national rejuvenation through the Chinese path of modernization. No foreign forces can stop this outcome. The Chinese military fears no threats or challenges, and will take firm actions to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

On your second question, I'd refer you to relevant authorities for more information.

Question: Defense News, an American website, recently reported that the US plan to provide Taiwan with nearly US$570 million worth of "security assistance" has come to the final stage. This is by far the largest package assistance from the US to Taiwan, which will be spent on training, reserves, anti-armor weapons, air defense, UAVs, and other programs to protect Taiwan from military attacks from the Chinese mainland. What is your comment, please?

Zhang Xiaogang: We have noticed relevant reports. China is firmly opposed to US arms sales to China's Taiwan region. What it has done seriously violated the One China principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques, severely undermined China's sovereignty and security interests, and sent very wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The US attempts to contain China with Taiwan, and to embolden the DPP authorities and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces by providing military assistance and weapons. This strategy will only undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. It will eventually backfire and hurt the US itself.

We urge the US side to stop military collusion with Taiwan and stop arming Taiwan in any way, so as not to disrupt the overall relations between China and the US. Taiwan is China's Taiwan. It is just across the strait from the mainland, and we will never let it drift away. The PLA will never back down in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will take firm actions to defeat any attempt for "Taiwan Independence" and any interference by foreign forces.

Question: The website of Taiwan defense authorities said that the Taiwan military has recently monitored a joint landing exercise conducted by the PLA in waters near Dachengwan in Dongshan, Fujian Province. The exercise involved various types of fighters, helicopters and UAVs, as well as amphibious ships and RO-RO cargo ships loaded with ground forces. Taiwan defense authorities said they had closely monitored the exercise. What is your comment, please？

Zhang Xiaogang: The relevant exercise is a routine arrangement within the PLA's annual plan. It aims to improve the capabilities of our troops for fulfilling missions and tasks. The PLA fears no reconnaissance or harassment against its operations. The DPP authorities should be fully aware of the strong capabilities and firm will of the PLA, see clearly that "Taiwan independence" will never succeed, and completely abandon their separatist illusions.

Zhang Xiaogang: In a few days, we are going to celebrate the 75th birthday of the PRC. In our epic journey in the past 75 years, the Chinese people, under the leadership of the CPC, have made remarkable and historical achievements. For the the people's armed forces, the past 75 years have been marked by hard-won victories and glory. Under the absolute leadership of the CPC, we have rediscovered our revolutionary nature and gained new vitality through sweeping reforms and historical transformation. We are now more determined than ever to grow strong by tackling all kinds of risks and challenges on our wary forward. The people's military is always a great iron wall in defending national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and a staunch force for world peace and stability. Today, China is building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, and the Chinese military is forging ahead to achieve its centenary goal and build itself into a world-class military. Here, allow me to wish enduring peace and great prosperity to our great motherland!