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.
In a statement, Zhang stated that the report distorted China’s national defense policy and grossly interfered 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 asserted. He noted that the United States has launched military operations in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and other countries, resulting in severe humanitarian disasters. Zhang emphasized that these actions have made the U.S. a major disruptor of international order and a significant threat to global security.
Addressing nuclear policy, Zhang reiterated that China adheres to a nuclear strategy of self-defense and maintains a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons. He highlighted that China’s nuclear force is kept 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.
Emphasizing the importance of military relations, Zhang said that the relationship between the two militaries is a crucial part of China-U.S. relations. He mentioned that China has maintained candid and 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 called for taking peace, stability, and trust as the basic principles of military-to-military exchanges, aiming 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.
However, Zhang expressed concern that the U.S. continues to issue such reports annually. 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 militaries.
The release of the U.S. report and China’s strong response highlight ongoing tensions between the two nations concerning military development and international security. The international community watches closely as both sides navigate these complex dynamics.
Reference(s):
Spokesperson: China opposes U.S. report on its military development
cgtn.com
