Beijing, October 14—China’s Ministry of National Defense has expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a recent report released by the U.S. Department of Defense concerning China’s military and security developments.
Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang stated on Saturday that the report distorts China’s national defense policy, grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs, and speculates on China’s military progression. Zhang accused the U.S. of attempting to discredit the Chinese military and of hyping the so-called “Chinese military threat.”
“China is committed to the path of peaceful development and pursues a defensive national defense policy,” Zhang emphasized. He highlighted that the United States has engaged in illegal wars and military operations in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, leading to severe humanitarian crises. “The U.S. has become the number one destroyer of international order and the biggest threat to global security,” he added.
Addressing nuclear strategies, Zhang reaffirmed China’s adherence to a self-defensive nuclear strategy and its policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons. He noted that China maintains its nuclear force at the minimum level necessary for national security. In contrast, he criticized the trilateral cooperation between the U.S., the UK, and Australia on nuclear-powered submarines, stating that it seriously impacts the international nuclear non-proliferation system and undermines regional peace and stability.
Zhang underscored the importance of the relationship between the Chinese and U.S. militaries as a critical component of bilateral relations. “China attaches great importance to the military relationship and has maintained candid and effective communication with the U.S. through military diplomatic channels,” he said. He expressed hope that the United States would view China’s development and its armed forces in a positive and rational manner.
“We urge the U.S. to take peace, stability, and trust as the basic principles of military-to-military exchanges,” Zhang stated. He called for building a relationship featuring no conflict, no confrontation, open and pragmatic cooperation, and a gradual accumulation of mutual trust based on equality and respect.
Zhang criticized the U.S. for issuing what he termed “irresponsible reports” annually. “We urge the U.S. side to stop fabricating false narratives, correct its erroneous perceptions of China, and promote the healthy and stable development of relations between our two militaries,” he concluded.
Reference(s):
Spokesperson: China opposes U.S. report on its military development
cgtn.com
