On the afternoon of May 15, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military.
On the afternoon of May 15, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND)andSpokesperson for the MND, answers recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by He Youwen)
(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)
Jiang Bin: Friends from the media, good afternoon. I'm Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the new Spokesperson for the MND. It is a great honor to meet you all in this new role. I will do my utmost to carry forward the baton passed on by my predecessors, release timely updates on national defense and military development, and tell the stories of the Chinese military in the new era. I will communicate with you sincerely, respond to your concerns earnestly, and work with you in the spirit of mutual understanding and support, to show the world a true, multidimensional and comprehensive picture of the Chinese military. Thank you!
First, I would like to announce one piece of news.
The 2nd Meeting of China-Brunei Joint Defence Working Committee (JDWC) was convened in Beijing on May 14. Both sides had in-depth exchange of views on friendly cooperation between the two militaries and relevant international and regional issues, and agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on policy and planning between their international military cooperation organs, promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and jointly maintain regional peace and tranquility.
Journalist: Recently, President Xi Jinpingpaid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, during which a contingent of the PLA Guard of Honor participated in the military parade. How will the Chinese side promote military-to-military relations with Russia?
Jiang Bin: This year marks the 80th year of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War. On this special historical occasion, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Russia upon invitation, and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union. President Xi Jinping held talks with President Putin, and had in-depth exchange of views on China-Russia relations and major international and regional issues. They agreed to unswervingly deepen strategic coordination, and promote the stable, sound and high-level development of China-Russia relationship. During the visit, a contingent of the PLA Guard of Honor participated in the Red Square Military Parade, which was widely publicized and warmly welcomed.
In recent years, China-Russia military-to-military relationship has been operating at a high level. We've had frequent high-level exchanges, conducted joint strategic air patrols and joint maritime exercises, and rendered support to each other in holding important commemorative celebrations. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the Chinese military stands ready to work with the Russian side to further deepen strategic mutual trust, step up strategic communication, and expand practical cooperation, so as to strengthen the sound momentum of military-to-military relations, enrich the content of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, and contribute to maintaining and strengthening global strategic stability.
On the afternoon of May 15, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND)andSpokesperson for the MND, answers recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by He Youwen)
Journalist: It is reported that China and Singapore are holding China-Singapore Exercise Cooperation-2025 joint maritime exercise. Please further brief us on the exercise.
Jiang Bin: China-Singapore Exercise Cooperation-2025 joint maritime exercise is being held in Changi Naval Base and in the waters and airspace to the east of Singapore from May 9 to 16. The guided-missile frigate PLANS Xuchang and the mine countermeasure vessel PLANS Chishui, together with the RSS (Republic of Singapore Ship) Steadfast-class frigate and the RSS Bedok-class mine countermeasure vessel, participated in the exercise. With joint command and planning, the two sides conducted live exercises on naval gunfire against sea targets, replenishment-at-sea, joint search and rescue and other subjects. The exercise tested tactical command coordination and joint operations capability of the participating forces. During the exercise, the troops also had professional seminars, on-board visits and cultural and sports activities. It is the 4th edition of this series of exercise, which is significant for further promoting practical cooperation and strengthening joint maritime operations capability between the two sides.
Journalist: It is reported that recently the Philippines has frequently sent patrol vessels in an attempt to intrude into the territorial sea of China's Huangyan Dao, and claimed that the Chinese military vessels took high-risk maneuvers. What's your comment?
Jiang Bin: Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory. In recent days, the Philippine military vessels attempted to intrude into the territorial sea of China's Huangyan Dao. The Chinese side took necessary measures to stop and dispel them, which was completely legitimate, legal, professional and restrained. The Philippine side's actions were highly irresponsible, and severely threatened China's sovereignty and security by approaching Chinese vessels in a dangerous manner. We urge the Philippine side to stop any risky infringements and provocations, and refrain from challenging China's firm resolve in safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Otherwise, it will only taste the bitter fruit of its own doing.
On the afternoon of May 15, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND)andSpokesperson for the MND, answers recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by He Youwen)
Journalist: According to reports, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities recently held their first-ever event commemorating Victory in Europe (V-E) Day of WWII at the Taipei Guest House, which once served as the Governor-General's residence during Japan's colonial rule. During the event, Lai Ching-te made the unfounded claim that Taiwan and Europe are now facing threats from a so-called "new authoritarian bloc." What's your comment on this?
Jiang Bin: Lai Ching-te has been engaging in authoritarian practices, intensifying the "green terror" on the island, provoking cross-Strait antagonism and confrontation, and heightening tensions and instability in the Taiwan Strait. He is a true "saboteur of cross-Strait peace" and "creator of the Taiwan Strait crisis." In a shameless attempt to seize the spotlight and assert his presence, Lai Ching-te stood on the ground once trampled by Japanese invaders and brazenly peddled deceptive rhetoric. By distorting the history of WWII and inserting separatist narratives, he has betrayed the Chinese nation, which is a disgraceful act beneath contempt.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the recovery of Taiwan to China. Taiwan's return to China is an important part of the victory of WWII and the post-war international order. A number of international legal instruments including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation have affirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan in clear-cut terms. This is an indisputable fact supported by history and the law. The historical trend that China will and must achieve reunification is unstoppable. Any words or deeds that forget the ancestry or solicit external support for "Taiwan independence" is surely disdained by the people and condemned by history.