Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on March 14, 2025

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

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

I have a piece of information to announce at the top.

The first meeting of International Military Cooperation Organs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States for 2025 will be held in Qingdao, Shandong, from March 26 to 27. Representatives from defense ministries of the SCO member states and the SCO secretariat will attend the meeting to exchange views on future defense and security cooperation. The meeting will be hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.

Journalist: President Xi Jinping attended the plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAP) during the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and gave an important speech. He emphasized the need to meet the requirements for high-quality development and ensure the effective implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for military development. Could you share more details on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: On March 7, President Xi Jinping attended the plenary meeting of the delegation of the PLA and the PAP during the third session of the 14th NPC. He emphasized that an effective implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development is of great significance for achieving the centenary goal of the PLA on schedule and for building a strong country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.

Over the past four years, a series of major accomplishments have been made in the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development, which has reached a critical stage of overcoming challenges and making breakthroughs. From the strategic height of advancing Chinese modernization, President Xi set clear requirements and made overall arrangement to ensure high-quality fulfillment of the objectives set by the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development. The speech provides important guidance for achieving the centenary goal of the Chinese military and supporting the great cause of national rejuvenation, and inspires all the servicemen and women to be more confident in overcoming challenges head-on, thereby meeting the requirements for high-quality development and achieving the set objectives and tasks on schedule.

The whole military will keep studying and implementing the guiding principles of President Xi's important speech. With a strong sense of political responsibility and historical mission, we will ensure effective execution and efficient implementation, pursue a path of high-quality, high-efficiency, low-cost and sustainable development, take critical steps to meet the centenary goal of the PLA, and comprehensively improve the strategic capabilities in defending national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Journalist: The PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team visited Thailand and participated in the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Thai Air Force. Please give us more details.

Zhang Xiaogang: At the invitation of the Royal Thai Air Force, the PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team performed at the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Thai Air Force from March 2 to 10. The team had a non-stop ferry flight from an airfield in North China to Bangkok, through aerial refueling with a YU-20 tanker aircraft. During the event, the team demonstrated complex maneuvers such as six-ship formation roll and five-ship horizontal upward blossom. The audience cheered when smoke trails of red, white, blue and yellow appeared in the air. Aerobatic flight performance builds the bridge of lasting, family-like friendship between China and Thailand. The PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team will continue to reach out and fly around the world to showcase its openness, confidence and commitment to excellence.

Journalist: After the release of the newly-revised common regulations, media analysis suggested that the regulations placed greater emphasis on combat readiness. Meanwhile, there are some changes to rules on staying overnight in barracks and personnel egress. Do you have any comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: The military is first and foremost a fighting force that exists for war. The newly-revised common regulations are aimed at helping the PLA fight and win wars. They incorporate the standard of combat effectiveness into all aspects of military development, and emphasize combat readiness at all levels of military functions, from soldiers to officers to generals. They integrate strict discipline with genuine care for service members, and combine rigorous management with thoughtful policies. On the basis of ensuring combat readiness, adjustments have been made to optimize rules regarding staying overnight in barracks, and personnel egress and leave. These heartwarming measures benefiting service members are designed to boost their morale and strengthen their commitment to the cause of building a strong military.

Journalist: It is reported that the Japanese Ministry of Defense has, for the first time, publicly disclosed the progress in developing a new ballistic missile with a range of 3,000 kilometers, far beyond the scope of its exclusively defense-oriented policy. The missile is an offensive weapon developed in response to the calls from the US for its allies to enhance their offence capabilities. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: In recent years, Japan has repeatedly breached its commitments under the pacifist constitution and moved further down the path of military enhancement. Such actions are dangerous and will gain no support. Recent history tells us that Japanese militarism once brought immeasurable disasters to the people of Japan, Asia, and the whole world. This year, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge the Japanese side to learn from historical lessons, act prudently in the field of military security, contribute more to regional peace and stability, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the larger international community through concrete actions.

Journalist: The Philippine Defense Secretary claimed that China's increasing "aggression" in the disputed waters was considered the greatest threat to the national security of the Philippines. He also said that the Philippines and its security allies would together push back any "aggressive attempt" by China, and take measures against any attempt to impose an air defense zone or restrict freedom of flights over the South China Sea. Do you have any comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. We are committed to peace and stability in the region. In fact, there has never been any problem with regard to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. However, the Philippine side has repeatedly infringed on China's sovereignty and made provocative moves, and some countries outside the region keep fanning the flames and stirring up troubles. Their behaviors undermined tranquility in the South China Sea. With many options in our toolkit, China stands firm in our resolve to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge the Philippine side not to miscalculate the situation, to immediately stop risky but futile provocations, and to return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue.

Journalist: The US side claimed that China might be developing a large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with an equal tonnage of US carriers. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: Relevant reports are pure speculation. It should be emphasized that our aircraft carrier development is always based on comprehensive considerations, including the needs of national security and the development of equipment and technology.

Journalist: It is reported that the nominee for US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy said that the status of Taiwan was not existential to the US, but Washington had important national security interests in Taiwan, and Taiwan needed to dramatically hike defense spending to around 10% of its GDP. An official from Taiwan's defense authorities said that it was in the core interests of the US to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and thus the US is unlikely to give up Taiwan. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference. The US side attempts to contain China with Taiwan, and is doubling down on arming Taiwan. At the same time, the DPP authorities are seeking to exploit such situation to increase its defense spending. Their actions have gravely harmed the security and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan, and severely undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The DPP authorities, intoxicated with the illusion of soliciting US support for "Taiwan independence," willingly act as a pawn and betray the people of Taiwan. Ultimately, the useful fool will end up being an abandoned tool.

Journalist: Recently, some Japanese media reported on the passage of Japanese military vessels through the Taiwan Strait in February. Japanese defense officials stated that this pertained to the operations of the Self-Defense Forces and would not comment further. However, they expressed grave concerns over the increasing activities of the Chinese military around Japan and emphasized that they would respond calmly yet resolutely. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: China respects the right of navigation entitled to all countries under the international law. However, China firmly opposes any attempt by any country to stir up troubles in the Taiwan Strait, infringe upon China's sovereignty and security, or send wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

It needs to be emphasized that activities of the Chinese military in relevant waters and airspace are in accordance with international law and practice. They are legitimate, justified and beyond reproach. We firmly oppose unfounded accusations made by the Japanese side against China's routine training activities.