China Opposes U.S. Report on Military Development
On Saturday, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a recent report on China’s military and security developments released by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Zhang stated that the report distorts China’s national defense policy, grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs, speculates on China’s military development, and seeks 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 noted that the United States has “illegally launched wars and military operations against Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and other countries, resulting in severe humanitarian disasters,” and labeled the U.S. as “the number one destroyer of the international order and the biggest threat to global security.”
Regarding nuclear strategy, Zhang reiterated that China adheres to a self-defensive nuclear strategy and upholds a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons, maintaining its nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security. He 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.”
Zhang highlighted the importance of the relationship between the two militaries as a significant component of China-U.S. relations. He stated that China “attaches great importance to the relationship between the two militaries” and has maintained “candid, effective communication” with the U.S. through military diplomatic channels.
“China hopes that the U.S. works with it to view the development of China and its armed forces in a positive, rational manner,” Zhang said. He urged the U.S. to take “peace, stability, and trust as the basic principles of military-to-military exchanges” and to build a relationship featuring “no conflict, no confrontation, open and pragmatic cooperation, and gradual accumulation of mutual trust on the basis of equality and respect” to “truly build a stable foundation for the development of bilateral relations.”
However, Zhang expressed concern that the U.S. issues “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 militaries of the two countries.”
Reference(s):
Spokesperson: China opposes U.S. report on its military development
cgtn.com
