Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on September 25, 2025

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) at the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

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 25, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

(The following English text 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 (MND). I have a piece of news to announce at the top.

PLANS Qi Jiguang and PLANS Yimengshan will conduct midshipmen ocean-going training at the end of September. During the mission, the two ships will hold open day activities in Hong Kong. The task force will visit Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore, and interact with navies of the visited countries to learn from each other. The training will strengthen friendship and mutual trust, and deepen pragmatic cooperation.

Journalist: It's reported that carrier-based aircraft successfully conducted catapult-assisted takeoff and recovery aboard PLANS Fujian. Some analysts believe that this signifies that PLANS Fujian will soon be commissioned. Do you have any comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Recently, J-15T, J-35 and KJ-600 carrier-based aircraft conducted catapult-assisted takeoff and recovery training aboard PLANS Fujian. The success showed that PLANS Fujian, the electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, has the ability to launch and recover aircraft, paving the way for the integration of multiple types of carrier-based aircraft into the carrier fleet. This is a milestone in our development of aircraft carriers. The trials and training of PLANS Fujian are well underway in accordance with our plan. I believe the much-anticipated moment is drawing near.

Journalist: It is reported that the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum was successfully held in Beijing recently and has attracted high attention from both domestic and foreign media. Could you please provide more details?

Zhang Xiaogang: The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum was successfully held from September 17 to 19. General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended and addressed the welcome dinner. Admiral Dong Jun, Minister of National Defense, attended the opening ceremony of the forum and made a keynote speech. The forum was warmly received and well spoken of both at home and abroad. The appeal and influence of this year's forum have been further enhanced. There are three highlights.

First, the forum carried more profound historical significance and showed a clearer vision for the future. 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, of the founding of the United Nations, and of the restoration of Taiwan. In particular, President Xi Jinping formally proposed the Global Governance Initiative. Participants at the forum, focusing on addressing global challenges and resolving pressing issues, contributed ideas and suggestions to improving the global governance system, and pooled positive forces to promote global governance through constructive approaches and measures.

Second, the composition of participants was diverse and balanced, making the "Xiangshan Spirit" more appealing. Adhering to the concept of "equality, openness, inclusiveness and mutual learning", over 1,800 attendees, including official representatives, experts, scholars and observers from more than 100 countries, regions and international organizations gathered together, engaging in candid exchanges regardless of the size of their respective nations. We did not stick to fixed positions, but sought common ground; we were not confrontational rivals, but sincere interlocutors who listened to each other. Many netizens commented that this could only be seen in China, and such intense yet harmonious discussions were particularly precious.

Third, the dialogues and exchanges were extensive and in-depth, with China's propositions attracting significant attention. The topics of the forum were set to provide strategic guidance and address realistic issues, so that participants could engage in meaningful discussions and achieve real results. Additionally, for the first time, the forum organized high-end interviews, hosted a briefing on China's Armed Forces in UN Peacekeeping Operations, and arranged participants to visit an exhibition of innovations and achievements in national defense science and technology. Attendees felt that a stronger Chinese military means greater assurance for world peace.

A just journey with many companions gets far. The Chinese military is willing to work with all parties to further strengthen strategic communication, deepen military mutual trust, and carry out higher-level security cooperation, so as to provide strong support for global governance and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Journalist: According to reports, the bilingual documentary "Blue Helmets, No Borders" has recently been released, attracting attention and praise from both Chinese and foreign netizens. What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: The Chinese military fights for peace and safeguards peace, and has become a key force in UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs). Over the past 35 years, the Chinese blue helmets have dedicated their youth and passion to the lofty cause of safeguarding world peace, traveling thousands of miles, working in extremely dangerous places, and igniting the light of hope. With professionalism, resilience, dedication and sacrifice, they have demonstrated the responsibility of a major country, and won extensive recognition from the international community.

The Chinese military will continue to expand its participation in UNPKOs with greater input and dedication. We will deepen our cooperation with all parties in technology, training, equipment and personnel, optimize the composition and capabilities of Chinese Peacekeeping Standby Force, and incorporate new-domain and new-quality forces for situational awareness, high-tech EOD and counter-UAV operations into UNPKOs, so as to contribute more Chinese strength and serve the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Journalist: Taiwan's military authorities submitted a budget proposal of over 1 trillion new Taiwan dollars, and planned to once again serve as a dumb cash machine by procuring more weapons. However, a U.S. official recently revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump did not approve 400 million-dollar military aid to Taiwan this summer. Could you please comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: The DPP authorities is called "dumb cash machine" every time it buys weapons from external forces. Spending more money on arms procurement will not bring security, but only squeeze out social and livelihood spending and push Taiwan to the brink of war. We hope the U.S. side will abide by the one-China principle and stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, exercise extra caution in handling the Taiwan question, truly deliver on its promise of not supporting "Taiwan independence", and refrain from disrupting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Journalist: 2025 PLA Air Force Aviation Open Day was held in Changchun City last week. The event featured the first-ever static display of J-20 fighter jets and an 8K ultra-HD video of air-to-air combat with new quality capabilities of the people's air force. The number of participants reached a record high. Could you please provide more details?

Zhang Xiaogang: The 11th PLA Air Force Aviation Open Day was recently held in Changchun City, Jilin Province. Nearly one million people participated on-site. They learned about the history of the people's air force and its achievements in the strategic transformation towards "integrating air and space capabilities and coordinating offensive and defensive operations", and experienced first-hand what the people's air force looks like in the new era. The event featured major national assets such as H-6H, YU-20A, J-20 and KJ-500 aircraft. 41 fighters of 16 types, including those from the PLAAF Bayi, Red Eagle and Sky Wing aerobatic teams, presented impressive performances. Over 100 types of active-service aircraft, ground equipment and decommissioned classic assets were displayed, illustrating the development trajectory of PLAAF equipment. The thematic exhibition demonstrated cutting-edge technologies, reflecting the development trend of unmanned and intelligent operations in the future. Hero astronauts, exemplary service members and outstanding pilots were invited to share their stories. Military band tours and pop-up performances created a lively atmosphere. This event served as both an aviation carnival for the public and an inspiring lecture for national defense education, igniting people's passion for air and space exploration as well as their patriotism and affection for the people's military.

Journalist: The Philippines sent over 10 public vessels to intrude into territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao on September 16. The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels took regulatory measures in accordance with law and dispelled these Philippine ships. When the CCG used water cannons, the Philippine crews waved white flags. What's your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory. The unlawful intrusion of Philippine vessels into China's territorial waters of Huangyan Dao seriously violated China's sovereignty, rights and interests, and severely undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea. The China Coast Guard took firm countermeasures to drive away the intruding ships, which were legitimate, lawful, professional and restrained.

Huangyan Dao is beyond the limits of the Philippine territory, which has long been defined by a series of international treaties. The Philippine side has repeatedly conducted provocative actions that infringed upon China’s sovereignty, and created tensions in the South China Sea. It is a real troublemaker and a saboteur to peace. We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop any provocative acts before it’s too late. The Chinese side will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Journalist: I have two questions. The first one is that it's reported that interactions between the Chinese and U.S. sides increased recently, with a video call between two defense leaders as well as a meeting between the Chinese Defense Minister and a delegation of US House lawmakers. Do you have any comment on this? The second question is that Taiwan established the world's first research center named after Shinzo Abe. Lai Ching-te said that we had Abe's foresight to thank for the peace we were enjoying in Taiwan. What's your take on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, at his recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, President Xi Jinping emphasized that China and the U.S. are fully capable of helping each other succeed and prospering together for the good of the two countries and the whole world. China is positive about and open to developing its military relations with the U.S.. We always deal with the U.S. side based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. We hope the U.S. side will work with us in the same direction to build a military-to-military relationship featuring equality, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and greater stability.

On your second question, we all know that during its colonial rule over Taiwan of more than 50 years, Japan committed countless atrocities, inflicting great suffering upon Taiwan compatriots. We celebrated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and of the restoration of Taiwan this year. Lai Ching-te tries to curry favor with Japan, who once colonized Taiwan. His words and actions are disdained by the people.

Journalist: China's V-Day parade featured DF-61, DF-5C and DF-31BJ land-based intercontinental missiles, Ju Lang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missiles and Jing Lei-1 air-launched long-range missiles. This was the first time for China to display its nuclear triad capabilities. Will there be any changes in China's nuclear policy?

Zhang Xiaogang: China's nuclear policy is very stable, consistent and predictable. We pursue a nuclear strategy of self-defense and follow a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. We pledge not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. We always maintain our nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security, and do not engage in arms race in any form. China's nuclear weapons are for defense and self-defense, for national strategic security, and for global peace and stability.

Journalist: The American Institute in Taiwan claimed that documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation "did not determine Taiwan's ultimate political status", and a U.S. State Department spokesperson echoed this comment. In addition, the head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council peddled the narrative of the so-called mainland's forcible takeover of Taiwan during his visit to the U.S.. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: The false remarks of the U.S. side misrepresent the fact and mislead the public. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to this. The restoration of Taiwan to China is an integral part of the outcomes of WWII victory and the post-war international order. The 1943 Cairo Declaration clearly stipulates that all the territories Japan has stolen from the Chinese, such as Taiwan, shall be restored to China. The Potsdam Proclamation issued in 1945 reiterates that the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out. In the same year, Japan signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, pledging to carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation in good faith. These instruments with legal effect under international law have all clearly affirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan.

As a signatory to the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, the U.S. is fully aware of the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China. Yet, it blatantly rehashes the false narrative that "Taiwan's status is undetermined", and smears China's legitimate actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in order to mislead international public opinion. Such acts gravely violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and send a seriously wrong signal to separatist forces for "Taiwan independence".

Separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" pose the most serious threat to the post-war international order and the greatest damage to peace in the region. We urge the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and stipulations of the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, stop manipulating the Taiwan question, and stop aiding and abetting "Taiwan independence" in any form. We warn the DPP authorities that "Taiwan independence" leads nowhere and reunification is unstoppable. We will never allow any separatist schemes to succeed, and are ready to thwart any external interference at any time and to safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Journalist: September 19 local time marks the 10th anniversary of Japan's Security Laws. On the same day, Japan's second-largest opposition party the Japan Innovation Party proposed constitutional amendments, calling for deleting the terms that ban Japan from maintaining armed forces and renaming Self-Defense Forces as National Defense Forces. What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Given its history of militarist aggression, Japan's military and security moves are closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. We hope the Japanese side will genuinely take lessons from history, commit itself to the path of peaceful development, and earn the trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions.

Journalist: I have two questions. Firstly, It is reported that at the 6th China-Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) States Defense Forum, the Chinese side said that it will strengthen defense and security cooperation with LAC countries. What measures will China take to deliver on the consensus reached at the forum? Secondly, We have noted the recent 49th Joint Working Group Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) between China and ASEAN countries in Singapore, which advanced consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). At the same time, the PLA Southern Theater Command pointed out that the Philippines' recent joint patrols with countries such as Australia and Canada undermined regional stability. How does China balance its multilateral diplomatic efforts on the COC consultation with resolute countermeasures against unilateral actions by certain country? Does this signify a "dual-track approach" in China's South China Sea policy?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, the 6th China-Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) States Defense Forum was recently held in Beijing. Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun attended the forum and delivered a keynote speech. As a Chinese saying goes, "No mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations." Guided by the consensus reached by leaders of both sides and with a focus on the Peace Program, China is willing to work with LAC countries to pursue peace and development, uphold equality and mutual benefits, promote openness and inclusiveness, plan for the future, and take real actions. Together, we will build a flexible and pragmatic China-LAC defense relationship featuring strong mutual trust, greater resilience and closer interactions, set a good example of South-South security cooperation, and make greater contributions to building a China-LAC community with a shared future.

On your second question, China's position on the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear. There is a greater consensus and synergy for peace and development in the region. However, in contrast to this positive trend, certain regional country keeps conducting provocative activities and soliciting foreign support to make waves, while some outside nations deliberately instigate instability and fuel tensions. China stands ready to work with regional countries to deliver on the DOC, accelerate consultations on the COC, and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, we will take firm actions to defend our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Journalist: The U.S. and Japan conducted Resolute Dragon, a large-scale joint exercise, from September 11 to 25. As part of the exercise, the U.S. Forces Japan showcased its Typhon intermediate-range missile system to the media for the first time, and said that they would test the application of this system across different scenarios during the exercise. Some analysts said that this move was targeted at China. May I have your comments?

Zhang Xiaogang: The Typhon intermediate-range missile system is an offensive weapon. The U.S. and Japan insisted on deploying the system to Japan under the guise of joint exercises. Such behavior harmed the legitimate security interests of other countries, fueled risks of arms race and military confrontation in the region, and posed a serious threat to regional security and stability. We strongly deplore and oppose this. We urge the U.S. and Japan to take seriously the concerns of countries in the region, correct their wrong actions, and remove the Typhon system as soon as possible.

As we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War this year, it’s more important for Japan to take lessons from history. Only a country that has the courage for self-reflection can earn the respect of the world. We urge the Japanese side to exercise utmost caution in its words and deeds in the military and security areas, refrain from serving as an accomplice to wrongdoing, and avoid actions that betray the trust of its Asian neighbors and disrupt regional peace and stability.

Journalist: It's reported that videos of China's V-day parade were aired 24/7 on many media outlets and we-media accounts in Taiwan, with online views exceeding 5 million. Many Taiwan compatriots praised the development achievements of the motherland and its strong military capabilities. A recent poll also showed a growing "pro-mainland" sentiment among the youth in Taiwan. What is your take on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait all belong to the Chinese nation and are members of one and the same family. The 14-year arduous history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression witnessed compatriots from both sides of the Strait fighting side by side to resist foreign aggression and recover Taiwan. This great victory belongs to all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. The purpose of China's grand commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a better future.

The future of Taiwan and the security and well-being of Taiwan compatriots depend on national reunification. We hope our Taiwan compatriots will understand the situation and follow the overwhelming trend of the times. They are hoped to join hands with their compatriots from the Chinese mainland, to promote the great spirit of the Chinese nation and the spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, strengthen the national confidence of being a Chinese with integrity, resolutely oppose separatist activities for "Taiwan independence" and external interference, and create a bright future of national rejuvenation.

Zhang Xiaogang: If there are no more questions, this concludes today's press conference. Thank you!