The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a recent report released by the U.S. Department of Defense concerning China’s military and security developments.
On Saturday, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the report distorts China’s national defense policy and grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs. He accused the U.S. of speculating on China’s military development and attempting to discredit the Chinese military by hyping up 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 illegally launched wars and military operations against countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, resulting in severe humanitarian disasters. “The U.S. has become the No.1 destroyer of the international order and the biggest threat to global security,” he asserted.
Zhang reiterated China’s adherence to a nuclear strategy of self-defense and the nuclear policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons. He noted that China maintains its nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security.
In contrast, Zhang criticized the trilateral cooperation among the U.S., the UK, and Australia on nuclear-powered submarines, stating that it seriously impacts the international nuclear non-proliferation system and undermines international and regional peace and stability.
Stressing the importance of the relationship between the two militaries, Zhang said that China attaches great importance to this relationship and maintains candid, effective communication with the U.S. through military diplomatic channels. “China hopes that the U.S. works with us to view the development of China and its armed forces in a positive, rational manner,” he said.
He called for building a military-to-military relationship featuring no conflict, no confrontation, open and pragmatic cooperation, and gradual accumulation of mutual trust on the basis of equality and respect. This, he noted, would help build a stable foundation for the development of bilateral relations.
However, Zhang expressed concern that the U.S. continues to issue “irresponsible reports” year after year. He urged the U.S. to stop fabricating false narratives, correct its erroneous perceptions of China, and promote the healthy, stable development of relations between the two countries’ militaries.
Reference(s):
Spokesperson: China opposes U.S. report on its military development
cgtn.com
