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 Dec. 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Sun Zhiying)
Zhang Xiaogang: Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this month's regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense. I have no information to announce on the top. The floor is open for questions.
Journalist: It is reported that US President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 into law, which announced a defense budget as high as 895 billion US dollars for the next fiscal year, and identified China as one of the major challenges to US national security. Some analysts suggest that the introduction of this Act reflects the deep anxiety of the US about its own strengths. May I have your comment? Will China significantly increase its defense spending as a result?
Zhang Xiaogang: The US NDAA played up the alleged "China military threat" as an excuse to increase US military spending and maintain its hegemony. This grossly interferes with China's internal affairs and undermines world peace and stability. We are strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to it.
China has no intention to challenge any country. In fact, the worst enemy of the US is the US itself. US military expenditure, which has already topped the world for long, is still increasing rapidly year by year. This fully exposes the belligerent nature of the US and its obsession with hegemony and expansion. It's clear to all that many current wars and conflicts are a result of US policy failures. The wars and military operations launched by the US since 2001 have caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of injuries, and displaced tens of millions of people. The US's abuse of force not only brings harm to the world, but also accelerates its own decline.
Our planet is big enough for both China and the US to develop individually and collectively. China remains committed to the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. We do not engage in any arms race with any other country, and always serve as a defender for world peace. We urge the US side to abandon Cold-war mentality and zero-sum mindset, and get rid of its obsessive delusion of containing and outcompeting China, so as not to undermine the bilateral and mil-to-mil relations between China and the US. With stronger capabilities and more reliable methods, the Chinese military will take resolute countermeasures against any infringements and provocations to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Journalist: According to media reports, the Philippine Defense Minister recently said that if the Chinese side hopes to decelerate tensions and stabilize the region, it should withdraw its illegal presence from the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. The spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard said that the giant vessels of China's Coast Guard attacked the small vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard, and that these acts of intimidation and spreading of misinformation aim at hindering the activities of the Philippine fishermen. What's your comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters. The maritime disputes between China and the Philippines have nothing to do with the size of countries. Rather, it is the merits of fact that matter. The Philippine side repeatedly organized its coast guard vessels and fishing boats to violate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, while playing victim to elicit sympathy from and cause confusion in the international community. This will never work. We urge the Philippine side to change course, and return to the right track of resolving issues through negotiation and consultation.
Journalist: It is reported that the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question held a meeting recently. The two sides reached six points of consensus. Both sides agreed to further enhance coordination and cooperation in diplomatic and military negotiations. How will the two sides act on these consensuses in the future?
Zhang Xiaogang: Based on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, both sides have maintained close communication on the border situation and achieved great progress. At present, the two militaries are comprehensively and effectively implementing the resolution, and steady progress has been made.
Bringing China-India relations back to the right track is in the interests of the two countries and the two peoples. The Chinese military is ready to make concerted efforts with the Indian side to faithfully implement the important consensus of the two leaders, conduct more exchanges and interactions, and promote China-India mil-to-mil relationship, in a bid to jointly safeguard lasting peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Journalist: It's reported that the US Government Accountability Office recently issued a report, claiming that half of US Navy amphibious warfare ships are in "poor condition" due to lack of components and untimely maintenance, which severely disrupts its normal operation and combat readiness. May I have your comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: I think that the US needs to reflect on its policy of abusing force, so as to solve the problem once and for all.
Journalist: It is reported that the first batch of M1A2T main battle tanks purchased by Taiwan from the US arrived at the island. This marks the first time in 30 years that Taiwan's military has acquired a new type of tank. What's your comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, earnestly honor its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence", immediately stop arming Taiwan, and stop its dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We warn the DPP authorities that seeking independence by soliciting US support is doomed to failure, and resorting to force to resist reunification leads nowhere. Several pieces of US weaponry won't be the magic straw that can save a drowning man; they are nothing but easy targets on the battlefields. The PLA will comprehensively improve its combat readiness, enhance its capability to fight and win, and firmly smash any "Taiwan independence" separatist plot and foreign interference.
Journalist: I have two questions. First, it is reported that officials and experts from Taiwan said that low profile drills with little fanfare will be mainland's new tactic against Taiwan. Such routine operations would render military deployment targeting Taiwan tacitly accepted. They would also send messages to the US, Japan and the Philippines that the PLA is able to take actions against Taiwan at any time so as to deter third parties from interfering in a Taiwan contingency. Do you have any comment? My second question is that this month marks the 5th anniversary of the commissioning of the domestically-built aircraft carrier, Shandong. In recent years, the "Flying Shark" J-15 carrier-based fighters have been deployed more frequently and at larger scales and faster pace. This October, aircraft carrier groups Liaoning and Shandong have conducted exercise together for the first time. What progress has been made in the systemic combat capability of Chinese aircraft carrier group?
Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, Taiwan is China's Taiwan, which brooks no foreign interference. How the PLA fights against "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and promotes national reunification is actually not something that separatists need to consider. Rejecting reunification by force is a dead end. The more blatantly they provoke, the tighter the noose around their necks would become.
On your second question, the development of China's aircraft carriers will definitely live up to expectations. The aircraft carriers will sail through wind and waves to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Journalist: It's reported that the Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2024 recently published by the US states claimed that despite the November 2023 resumption of defense engagement, the PRC views defense and military engagements as a tool to punish or reward the US for its perceived behavior. What's your comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: We firmly oppose such groundless accusations made by the US side. China always develops bilateral and military relations with the US in the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. The two sides maintain effective communication through military diplomatic channels. It must be noted that the current difficulties in China-US mil-to-mil engagement are created solely by the US side. The communication and exchanges between the Chinese and the US militaries is not a political show to the world. We urge the US side to take its own problems seriously, earnestly respect China's core interests and major concerns, and refrain from crossing the lines on issues related to Taiwan, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, and China's development rights, etc., so as to create a favorable atmosphere for dialogues and communication between the two sides.
Journalist: It is reported that the 14th China-France Symposium on Security Policies for Senior Military Officers was held recently in Beijing. Could you please share with us more information?
Zhang Xiaogang: The 14th China-France Symposium on Security Policies for Senior Military Officers was held at the PLA National Defense University from December 8 to 14. Under the theme of "Strengthening China-France Strategic Cooperation and Safeguarding World Peace and Stability", representatives from the two sides gave briefings on their respective national defense policy and military development. They exchanged views on issues of common interests including education in military academies and new combat capabilities, etc., and explored ways to improve global security governance. During the event, attendees also visited military and civilian units in Hainan province and Shanghai. The year 2025 opens up the second 60 years of China-France ties. China is ready to work together with France to strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, and contribute to global peace and stability.
Journalist: Media reports say that the US Space Force Japan (USSFJ) was recently set up. The first commander of the USSFJ stated at its inauguration ceremony that the establishment of the USSFJ is to enhance regional capabilities of monitoring and surveillance, and respond to emergencies in space. It targets intensified Chinese and Russian military use of space and the nuclear missile development of the DPRK. Do you have any comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: The continuous expansion of US Space Force and its development of military alliances in space instigate arms race in space and undermine global strategic stability. The Chinese side advocates the peaceful use of space, and opposes the weaponization of space and turning it into a battlefield. We urge the US side to earnestly reflect on its dangerous moves in space, stop stoking confrontation in space and spreading false narratives, so as to make due contribution to maintaining lasting peace and security in space.
Journalist: It is reported that Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command said that China's increased militarization of the Taiwan Strait had forced the US to continue arms sale to Taiwan. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, the US stands ready to defend Taiwan at any time, and provide defensive weapons and services to Taiwan. He also expressed his confidence in the US military to win a potential conflict over Taiwan. What's your comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no foreign interference. In recent years, the US has been attempting to obscure and hollow out the one-China principle, saying one thing and doing another on the Taiwan question, intensifying efforts to provide military aid and arms sales to Taiwan, and sending seriously wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. These moves severely undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We warn the US side that the scheme of "using Taiwan to contain China" is doomed to fail. The PLA has the confidence and capability to defeat any foreign interference and smash any "Taiwan independence" separatist plot, so as to achieve complete reunification of China.
Journalist: I have two questions. First, it's reported that during the Japanese Defense Minister's meeting with local officials from Okinawa Prefecture, he said the first batch of logistic personnel of US Marines stationed in Okinawa, approximately 100 members, have been transferred to Guam. The US act has triggered media attention and speculation. What's your comment? My second question is that according to media reports, the French Charles De Gaulle carrier strike group (CSG) will be deployed to the Asia-Pacific for the first time in four decades, and dock at the Philippines, Japan, and other countries for the first time for multiple joint exercises. How does the Ministry of National Defense view France's move to demonstrate its military strength in the Asia-Pacific?
Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question. We have noted relevant reports. For quite a long time, US Forces Japan (USFJ) has been accused of frequent criminal acts. Their misconduct has triggered strong anxiety and protests among local residents. Where to transfer its troops is a matter for the US military to decide. But we know if the US troops are really gone, the people of Okinawa will get what they hope for.
On your second question, what the Asia-Pacific needs is peace and prosperity, rather than tensions and confrontation. Military cooperation among relevant countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, instead of flexing muscles and creating tensions.
Journalist: China has expressed opposition to the deployment of the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system to the Philippines. What specific threat does it pose to China? If it is deployed, what countermeasures will the Chinese military take?
Zhang Xiaogang: China firmly opposes the US deployment of MRC missile system in the Philippines. The Philippines attempts to introduce the Typhon MRC missile system to cater to the US. It will incite geopolitical confrontation and arms race, and fuel tensions in the region. The Philippines should recognize the high sensitivity and severe consequences of this issue, withdraw the Typhon MRC missile system to fulfill its prior promise, and stop undermining the security interests of countries and peoples in the region.
Journalist: It's reported that in a meeting with the Japanese Defense Minister during his visit to Japan, the US Secretary of Defense claimed that peace and stability of Aisa-Pacific and the world at large is facing multiple challenges, including China's coercive behaviors in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The US will continue to provide "extended deterrence" to Japan and the ROK, and strengthen cooperation with Australia and the Philippines. May I have your comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: The comments made by the US official is a deliberate misinterpretation of facts. Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory and China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters. The Chinese side takes law-enforcement operations in relevant areas, which is completely legitimate, lawful and professional. We urge the US and Japanese side to stop making false narratives concerning China, and do more things to promote regional peace and stability, rather than forming exclusive "cliques" and stoking confrontation.
If there are no more questions, before we wrap up, please watch a short video.
In 2024, we have harvested unforgettable moments, and been inspired by many role models. As we speak, our colleagues in the military are still on duty at their posts. They conduct training in harsh conditions to improve combat readiness; they station on the borderlines to ensure border security; they care about peace and guard the people. The Chinese military is and always will be a great wall of steel defending our country, the loyal guardian serving the people, and a staunch force maintaining peace. Looking ahead to the new year, the Chinese military will stay with all Chinese people, forging ahead to pursue our dreams. Here, I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year. Hope you can follow your passion and may all your wishes come true. Thank you.