Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31

By Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (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 October 31, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Sun Yue)

(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: Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this month's regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense.

I have four things at the top.

Firstly, China's Ministry of National Defense will host the Fourth Conference on Military Medicine of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum from November 5 to 10 in Guangzhou. Leaders of health departments and medical experts from over 20 African militaries will attend the event. Under the theme of "Enhance China-Africa Military Medical Exchanges and Cooperation in the New Era", this year's conference covers topics including medical service management and innovation, war wounds and trauma treatment, and regional infectious diseases prevention and control. Chinese and African delegates will exchange views on strengthening practical cooperation on military medicine and jointly addressing challenges in medical health, share experience and practices on Chinese military health system, and contribute to jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Secondly, the third China-ASEAN young-and-middle-aged officers' friendship exchange will be held in China in late November. The event will be hosted by the MND and organized by the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT). Young-and-middle-aged officers and civilian staff from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat are invited to attend the event. During the trip, they will visit military units, hold seminars, experience local culture, tour enterprises and rural areas in cities including Kunming, Nanjing, Kunshan and Shanghai. It aims to further deepen exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese military and its counterparts from the above-mentioned countries, and to inject new impetus into building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Thirdly, the first Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) young-and-middle-aged officers' exchange was held in China from October 20 to 30. Over 20 young-and-middle-aged officers and defense officials from SCO member states, observer states, dialogue partners and friendly countries attended the event. During the trip, they visited cities including Beijing, Changsha and Shanghai, participated in technological innovation activities of the National University of Defense Technology, had discussions and exchanges with experts from relevant think tanks, toured the Museum of the Communist Party of China, Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, Mao Zedong's former residence and the site of the First National Congress of the CPC.

This event was hosted by the MND and organized by the NUDT. It brought member states of the SCO family closer and deepened their understanding of Chinese modernization and China's military development. Foreign delegates expressed that they will carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, advance practical cooperation in defense and security, and contribute to the building of a closer SCO community with a shared future.

Fourthly, from October 16 to 25, a delegation of young-and-middle-aged officers from PLA Western Theater Command visited Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. During the visit, the delegation had discussions and exchanges with service members of the three countries, and paid visits to the National Defense University in Kazakhstan, a mountain training center in Uzbekistan, and special operations forces in Tajikistan. The delegation enhanced mutual understanding and deepened friendship with their hosts through exchanges and mutual learning.

Question: It is reported that the US Department of Defense recently approved arms sales worth of US$1.988 billion to Taiwan, including surface-to-air missile system and radar system. What is your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: The US arms sales to China's Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués. This move seriously undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, disrupts China-US relations, undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and sends very wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. We strongly condemn and firmly oppose it and have lodged solemn representations to the US side.

The US has reneged on its own promise and is intensifying efforts to arm Taiwan, emboldening the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and pushing Taiwan closer towards the abyss of military conflict. The DPP authorities purchased weapons to solicit US support, allowing the US to exploit the hard-earned money of the people in Taiwan to feed its military-industrial complex. Records have proven time and again that the "Taiwan independence' separatists and foreign interference are the source of chaos that undermine the status quo, cause cross-strait crisis, and disrupt regional stability.

The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. China urges the US to fully recognize the severe consequences of arming Taiwan which would surely backfire, and not to go further down the wrong path. Several pieces of US weaponry will not alter the military strength comparison posture, still less stop the historical trend of China’s reunification. The PLA will continuously improve its combat readiness, comprehensively enhance the military capability to fight and win, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Question: Recently, General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the CMC, visited Viet Nam at invitation. Could you please tell us how will the two militaries further promote exchanges and cooperation?

Zhang Xiaogang: On August, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam made strategic arrangements on deepening the building of China-Viet Nam community with a shared future. Recently, General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the CMC, visited Viet Nam, and had meetings and talks respectively with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and State President, the Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Viet Nam. General Zhang pointed out that China is ready to join hands with Viet Nam to implement the important common understandings reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two nations, and to promote stable and sound development of mil-to-mil relationship. The Chinese military stands ready to further consolidate the traditional friendship of "comrades and brothers" with the Vietnamese side, deepen strategic mutual trust, improve the quality and efficiency of cooperation in areas such as high-level exchanges, joint exercises and political work, so as to elevate the building of China-Viet Nam community with a shared future to a new level.

Question: I have two questions. First, Taiwan's "defense minister" claims that Taiwan serves as a pivot of the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, and her neighboring waters are an important international trade route. If the PLA were to block Taiwan, all aircraft and vessels would be prohibited from entering according to international norms. Doing so is not different from an act of war. The international community will not turn a blind eye toward it. May I have your comment? Second, it is reported that the Taiwan defense authorities have signed formal agreements with the US, allowing it to buy 1,000 combat drones from Aero Vironment, the largest drone supplier of the US military, and the US defense contractor Anduril Industries. What is your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question. Taiwan is a province of China and there is no such a thing as Taiwan's "defense minister". Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people which brooks no foreign interference. The PLA's relevant military exercises are targeted at the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The purpose is to safeguard the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the well-being of the Taiwan compatriots. We sternly warn the DPP authorities not to stick to the wrong path and come back to the right course as soon as possible. Soliciting foreign support is a dead end.

On your second question, China firmly opposes military contacts between the US and the Taiwan region. The DPP authorities should understand that whatever weapons they buy will be useless, and they will come to no good end by doing so.

Question: I have two questions. First, it is reported that China and India have reached a deal on patrol arrangements in the border areas, which can lead to disengagement, ending a conflict began in 2020. India's Chief of Army Staff recently said that India hopes to restore the border situation to the state before April 2020, and gradually resume normal management along the Line of Control. May I have your comment? The second question is that for quite some time, military vessels from the United States, France and other countries have frequently sailed through the Taiwan Strait and hyped the transits up. Will such acts heighten the tension across the Taiwan Strait?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, China and India have reached resolutions on issues concerning the border areas through diplomatic and military channels. The troops on the ground of the two militaries are making progress in implementing the resolutions in a orderly manner. President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia. Both sides agreed that China and India should view and handle the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and make sure that differences on specific issues would not affect the overall bilateral relationship. We hope the Indian side will work together with China, take the important common understandings between the two state leaders as guidance, continuously implement the above-mentioned resolutions, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas.

On your second question, freedom of navigation doesn't mean willful trespassing. China firmly opposes certain countries making provocations and undermining China's sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation. The Chinese military will remain on high alert, and firmly respond to any threats and provocations to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Question: I have two questions. Firstly, according to US media, the US is promoting "agile combat employment" or ACE in the Indo-Pacific to accelerate the rebuilding of old airports from WWII, including an airport on Tinian Island in the Pacific. Some say the move was directed at China in response to its large missile stock. Please comment on that. Second, on October 28, a notice on the official website of the Cyberspace Administration of China reads, military and civilian functional departments have taken measures on some illegal information and we-media accounts online. Those accounts have spread disinformation and exploited patriotic feelings of the public in the name of popularizing knowledge about the military. May I have your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, the US has been intensifying its forward military deployment in the Asia-Pacific. It will not bring peace and tranquility to the region, but create tension and confrontation. The US acts will not garner support and it would be a fatal mistake to take China as its adversary.

On your second question, recently, on the basis of screening, evidence collection and taking law-based measures, relevant military and civilian functional departments have publicly exposed six typical cases involving fabricating rumors related to military affairs or tarnishing the image of the military. The actions have advanced the governance of military-related information online.

Cyberspace is not a lawless place and there is a legal responsibility for everyone’s words and actions online. In recent years, online public opinion concerning the military has been more and more favorable. Many we-media accounts follow and support China’s national defense and share stories of the Chinese armed forces, which serve as important channels for internet users to understand and care about national defense and military development. However, some we-media accounts ignored social responsibilities and relevant regulations. They maliciously linked regional hot spots with military operations and made-up false information on the military to generate network traffic and rake in improper benefits.

We hope internet users can stay clear-minded and not be deceived by false or hyped information concerning the military. If you spot one, you can report such disinformation through the online reporting and rumor-dispelling platform on chinamil.com. Let us work together to build a clean online environment for military-related information.

Question: The PLA Navy training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan recently visited Malaysia and Bangladesh, and made a technical stop in Singapore. Please tell us more about that.

Zhang Xiaogang: The PLA Navy training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan recently visited Malaysia and Bangladesh, and made a technical stop in Singapore. During the visits, the two ships had professional exchanges and joint training with their hosts and organized open day activities, which strengthened cooperation and mutual trust with navies of the visited countries and contributed to building a maritime community with a shared future.

During the mission, the task group acted as a "floating university" with around one thousand midshipmen from the Naval University of Engineering onboard to have a far-seas internship. 18 foreign midshipmen from six countries including Cambodia, Viet Nam and Laos participated in the training in mixed groups with Chinese midshipmen. They trained on skills such as underway watch and navigation support, which improved their professional and operational skills.

Question: It is reported that a senior official from the US Space Force said China and Russia have formed an alliance with their closer and sustained cooperation. May I have your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: The comments made by the US official is a deliberate misinterpretation of China-Russia relations and an attempt to mislead the international community. We are opposed to such behavior. This year marks the 75th year of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Over the past 75 years, the China-Russia relations have weathered winds and rains. The two countries have explored a right approach for neighbouring major countries to get along with each other featuring non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, and forged a new paradigm of major-country relations that differs entirely from the Cold War approach. The continuous deepening of the comprehensive strategic coordination between China and Russia and the expansion of practical cooperation across the board will not only bring more benefits to the two peoples, but also play a bigger role in safeguarding global strategic stability and promoting international fairness and justice.

Question: Recently the military's on-site meeting on combined training was held in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. Please tell us more about that.

Zhang Xiaogang: As approved by President Xi, the military's on-site meeting on combined training was held in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the CMC, attended the meeting and observed drills of demonstrative subjects and nighttime live-fire testing exercises. He also attended and addressed the review session of the meeting.

To implement President Xi's important instructions on strengthening military training and to accelerate the realization of the military's centenary goal, the on-site meeting on combined training was recently held. On the basis of traditional training that focuses on tactics and coordination, the meeting explored new models for combined training, including integration at unit level, coordination at tactical level and force-on-force training. It aimed to boost innovative development of combined training, accelerate building a new type of military training system, and generate joint operations capability based on a network and information system.

Question: It is reported that the Chinese and Thai armies conducted the "Commando 2024' joint training in Kunming, Yunnan Province. It is the 7th edition of such joint training. Could you please share more details with us?

Zhang Xiaogang: Two days ago, the MND Information Office (MNDIO) accounts on Douyin and Kuaishou released video clips of the China-Thailand "Commando 2024" joint army training. Under the theme of counter-terrorism, the training was conducted in a simulated real-combat environment with tropical mountains and forests, and focused on combat tactics including joint rescue of hostages. Many types of UAVs, robots and bionic aircraft were used in the exercise with a combination of manned and unmanned operations to strengthen interoperability of the two task forces. Sports and cultural activities were organized to enhance mutual understanding and deepen traditional family-like friendship between China and Thailand. The Chinese military will work together with the Thai military to have more substantive cooperation in various fields, and play a positive role in safeguarding regional security and stability.

Question: An article published on the website of the US journal Foreign Policy claims that during the "Joint Sword-2024A" military exercise, Beijing Lande Information Technology, a think tank, disclosed the coordinates of 12 bases where Taiwan's Hai Feng missile units are stationed, as accurate as to the forth decimal places of latitude and longitude. It also gave a very detailed description of the motorcade formation, deployment and other information about Taiwan's Hsiung Feng unit. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: We have noticed relevant reports. The PLA is well aware of any move of the armed forces of "Taiwan independence" separatists.

Question: After participating in the "Joint Sword-2024B" exercise, the aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed to the South China Sea to join aircraft carrier Shandong. This was the first time for the two aircraft carrier task groups to train together. Is it a response to recent transits through the Taiwan Strait and the so-called "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea by US and European naval vessels? Will such exercise with two aircraft carriers be included in the Joint Sword exercise in the future?

Zhang Xiaogang: The exercise conducted by aircraft carrier Liaoning and Shandong is a routine arrangement within our annual plan. The exercise focused on real combat training to improve combat capability of the aircraft carrier task group.

Question: It is reported that the G7 defense ministers released a joint statement after their meeting, attacking China's positions on Taiwan, the East China Sea, the South China Sea and the Ukraine crisis, and calling for China to stop supplying dual-use materials to Russia. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: The joint statement released after the G7 Defense Ministers' meeting misrepresents facts, makes groundless accusations on China on issues related to Taiwan, the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and is replete with lies and bias. The Chinese side firmly opposes it. On the Ukraine issue, China remains committed to promoting peace talks and strictly managing the export of dual-use materials. By contrast, it is the G7 that has been constantly fanning the flame, escalating tensions, and attempting to shift blame on China and deflect responsibility. It is evident to the international community.

We urge relevant countries to earnestly respect the basic norms governing international relations, stop preaching or pointing fingers at others' internal affairs, and make more positive contributions in a turbulent world.

Question: I have two questions. My first question is that it is reported that the latest review of the US Defense Intelligence Agency revealed that China is accelerating and expanding nuclear arsenal of its Army, Navy and Air Force. According to statistics from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global nuclear arms race is intensifying. As of January 2024, the total number of global nuclear warheads had amounted to 12,121, with notable improvement in China's nuclear combat capability. May I have your comment? The second question is that the Japanese Self-Defense Force（JSDF）and the US military started their "Keen Sword" military exercise on October 23. It is said that 45,000 troops and 370 fighter jets will be mobilized and it will be the largest US-Japan military exercise. The exercise area is close to China's Taiwan island. Some analysts said it is directed at the situation in the Taiwan Strait. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question. On the nuclear issue, the US has long been holding a "flashlight" only to check out on the behaviors of others but not herself. With the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, the US pursues a nuclear policy of first use of nuclear weapons, conducts nuclear intimidation and blackmail on others, and plays with fire by seeking nuclear proliferation. The US has been deliberately hyping up the non-existent "China nuclear threat", only to cover up its malicious agenda of maintaining hegemony.

China pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense, and commits itself to a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances. We keeps our nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security and have no intention to engage in arms race with any country. It must be noted that what the US needs to do is not making groundless accusations on others but to conduct some soul searching on herself and correct wrong doings. The US should earnestly assume its special and primary responsibilities toward nuclear disarmament, and do real things for reducing global strategic security risks.

On your second question, Taiwan is China's Taiwan and has nothing to do with Japan. The Japan-US military exercise should not target any other country or undermine other countries' interests, still less make an issue of Taiwan. What Asia-Pacific needs is peace and prosperity rather than confrontation and conflicts. Japan and the US, clinging to the Cold War mentality, have been frequently conducting highly targeted military exercises. It has created confrontation and conflicts in the Asia-Pacific and undermined regional peace and stability. We firmly oppose that. We urge Japan and the US to stop meddling in the Taiwan question and be prudent with their words and deeds in military security domains. The Chinese military will continue to strengthen training and enhance military preparedness, and firmly respond to any threat and provocation to safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Question: It is reported that the Chairman of the Philippine Senate Foreign Relations Committee openly opposed US deployment of Typhon mid-range missile system in the Philippines during her attendance at a recent media forum. May I have your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: China has repeatedly expressed our firm opposition to US deployment of mid-range missile system in the Philippines. The US has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, developed Typhon mid-range missile system, and used it as a tool to maintain its hegemony. It has made willful deployment and stirred up troubles, which increased the risk of war in the region. It has been proven time and again that the US is a real saboteur to peace and a troublemaker.

In fact, many sober-minded people in the Philippines oppose US deployment of Typhon mid-range missile system. The Philippine government needs to listen to the voices of its people, fully recognize the high sensitivity and grave consequences of this issue, and stop such dangerous behavior which will hurt others as well as itself. It should not tie itself to the US war chariot and end up being cannon fodders.

Question: Recently, the Chinese government and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) co-hosted the third training course on medical aspects of assistance and protection against chemical weapons at PLA Air Force Medical University. Please brief us more details on it.

Zhang Xiaogang: The Chinese government and the OPCW co-hosted the third training course on medical aspects of assistance and protection against chemical weapons. Over 30 medical experts on chemical defense and senior doctors from 20 state parties of the Chemical Weapons Convention including Brazil, Germany, Morocco and Thailand took part in the training course. This course has been highly commended by the OPCW.

The training helps participants to acquire relevant knowledge and skills on medical assistance and protection against chemical weapons, improve their capability of dealing with chemical weapons threats. It also steps up international collaboration on the prevention of chemical weapons proliferation and coping with related threats. The activity demonstrates the Chinese government's firm commitment to and support of banning the use of chemical weapons.

Question: Recently, the agricultural department of Taiwan released a so-called "wartime food plan", claiming that Taiwan's rice stockpiles can sustain three-month, and current food and unpolished rice stocks are enough to support the island for at least seven months. Officials from Taiwan's economic department also proposed a corresponding plan to increase its energy reserve and supply. Analysts believe Taiwan is intensifying its efforts to cope with a military blockage by the PLA. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: The DPP authorities have been seeking "Taiwan independence', creating social panic and provoking cross-Strait confrontation for selfish gains. No matter what tricks they play, it is pointless and doomed to fail.

Zhang Xiaogang: Friends from the media, November 11 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Air Force. In the theme of "pursuing dreams and prevailing in the sky", the PLA Air Force will organize a series of activities including flight demonstration, military band performance, observation, and themed light show, as part of the 15th Airshow China. The people's Air Force will carry forward its glorious tradition, accelerate transformation into a world-class air force, and contribute to the cause of building a strong military.

My colleagues from the PLA Air Force have prepared some souvenirs and asked me to send them to you. This is an Air Force badge. On one side is the symbol of this strategic service; on the other are the 12 landmarks that have great importance in the PLA Air Force's history. Now please watch a video "Above the Clouds". I hope you will continue to follow and support the PLA Air Force's development.

That concludes today's press conference.