Transcript of the regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense in April 2024

Time: 15:00-16:30, April 25, 2024

Location: Office of International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission

Publisher: Senior Colonel Wu Qian, Director of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense

Transcript of the regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense in April 2024

On the afternoon of 25 April, the Ministry of National Defense held a regular press conference, at which Senior Colonel Wu Qian, director of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense and spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, answered reporters' questions. Photo by Zhang Zhicheng

Wu Qian: Fellow journalists, good afternoon! Welcome to this month's regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense. Today, I have two pieces of information that I need to proactively post.

The first message is about the joint training of the army of China and Bangladesh "Golden Friendship-2024". According to the consensus of the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies, the Chinese People's Liberation Army will send a detachment to Bangladesh in early May to hold the "Golden Friendship-2024" army joint training with the Bangladesh army detachment. Against the backdrop of the anti-terrorism operations of the United Nations peacekeeping operations, the two sides will adopt a mixed training mode and jointly organize anti-hijacking of buses and the clearance of terrorist camps. This is the first joint training between the Chinese and Bangladeshi militaries, which is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two militaries and deepening practical exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

The second piece of information is about the visit of the military attaché of the army stationed in China. According to the annual plan, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Army will organize foreign army attachés stationed in China on 29 April to visit a certain army aviation brigade of the 81st Group Army and other military and local units. During the visit, military attachés of various armies stationed in China will visit relevant equipment and observe flight training.

Reporter: According to reports, Defense Minister Dong Jun recently had a video call with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Please provide further information. What is China's expectation for the next step in the development of China-US military relations?

Wu Qian: On the evening of April 16, Defense Minister Dong Jun and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had a video call, during which the two sides had a frank and in-depth exchange of views on China-US and military relations, the Taiwan issue, the South China Sea issue and other international and regional hotspot issues of common concern, and achieved positive and pragmatic results. The phone call was an important measure in the military field to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and was of positive significance for maintaining the overall stability of relations between the two militaries.

Since the end of last year, the two militaries have smoothly held a series of exchange and cooperation activities, which have played a positive role in promoting the stability and improvement of relations between the two militaries. It is hoped that the US and China will work in the same direction, regard peace as the priority, stability and trust-based as the basic principles of the exchanges between the two militaries, and build a military-to-military relationship that is free from conflict and non-confrontation, open and pragmatic cooperation, and gradually accumulate mutual trust on the basis of equality and respect, so as to truly serve as a stable cornerstone for the development of bilateral relations.

Reporter: According to reports, Japan has officially announced its membership in the AUKUS alliance. The Canadian Prime Minister said that in response to the activities of China, Russia and other countries in the Arctic region, the Canadian side is considering increasing the deployment of submarines and starting negotiations on joining the "Aukus". Do you have any comment?

Wu Qian: China is gravely concerned about this, and we are open to the development of normal military cooperation with any country, but we resolutely oppose the cobbling together of exclusive "small circles" by relevant countries, any bilateral or multilateral military alliances against China, and the creation of division and confrontation and bloc confrontation. The Asia-Pacific region is a big stage for peaceful development and should not become an arena for geopolitical games, and China is a partner of cooperation among all countries, not a challenge from any country. In disregard of the general concerns of regional countries and the international community, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia have continuously released signals of expansion, which has seriously affected peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and many countries in the region are deeply worried about this.

Due to historical and practical reasons, Japan's military security trends have always attracted the attention of its Asian neighbors and the international community. The Japanese side should deeply draw lessons from history and be cautious in its words and deeds in the field of military security. Other countries should also earnestly fulfill their international obligations and refrain from doing anything that undermines regional and world peace and stability.

Reporter: Recently, the Chinese Navy hosted the 19th Annual Meeting of the Western Pacific Naval Forum in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Please provide further information.

Wu Qian: From April 21 to 24, the Chinese Navy hosted the 19th Annual Conference of the Western Pacific Naval Forum in Qingdao, Shandong Province, attended by about 180 delegations from the navies (maritime defense departments) of 29 countries. At the meeting, Chinese and foreign representatives had an in-depth exchange of views on important issues of the forum, reached a broad consensus, discussed and voted on the "Rules for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (Version 3.0)" and the update of the "Disaster Response Guidelines", and discussed in depth the revision of the "Regulations of the Western Pacific Naval Forum" and the establishment of a research working group on unmanned systems with China as the coordinator. During this period, the Navy held a high-level seminar on "Oceans with a Common Destiny," at which representatives of Russia, Indonesia, Colombia, Pakistan, France, Fiji, and other countries took the floor. The participants said that the 19th Annual Conference of the Western Pacific Naval Forum is of great significance and far-reaching influence, providing an important platform for the forum countries to deepen friendship, strengthen exchanges and enhance mutual trust, and are willing to work with China to further deepen practical maritime cooperation and actively contribute to safeguarding maritime security and serving the building of a maritime community with a shared future.

At the same time, this year is also the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, and organs and units at all levels of the Navy have held activities with distinct themes and rich contents, such as a grand flag-raising ceremony, a ceremony to pay tribute to naval heroes, and the opening of barracks and warships, comprehensively reflecting the new atmosphere and new style of the People's Navy in the new era and new journey in pursuing dreams of thousands of miles of sea and sky, and fully demonstrating the new achievements of the People's Navy in focusing on achieving the goal of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army and building a world-class navy in an all-round way. Taking into account the concern and love of the broad masses for the People's Navy, during this year's "23 April" period, the Navy expanded the number, models, and cities of warships to be opened, adjusted and increased the number of visiting places, and opened more than 100 units, including the Dalian Naval Academy, the Submarine Academy, and different types of units, to organize Chinese and foreign media to enter the barracks in Qingdao, so that more media reporters and the public can experience up close the achievements of naval construction and development in the new era, as well as the good image of the officers and men of the Navy who are high-spirited and strive to strengthen the army.

Reporter: The commander of the US Indo-Pacific Headquarters recently said that Chinese mainland's goal is to have the ability to "attack Taiwan" by 2027, and the joint military activities of China and Russia in the Indo-Pacific region are increasing. Do you have any comment on this, and how can the two sides of the strait avoid misfire?

Wu Qian: Taiwan is China's territory, and the Taiwan issue brooks no foreign interference. On the issue of defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the PLA has always maintained a fighting posture of "always being ready."

As for how to avoid misfire between the two sides of the strait, I would like to say that as long as we do not engage in "Taiwan independence," we do not need to be worried.

Reporter: According to reports, the film of the same name about the life of Oppenheimer, the "father of the atomic bomb", was recently released in Japan, triggering a debate among Japanese and American netizens, who paid attention to the war crimes committed by Japan against China during World War II and took the initiative to collect and forward a large number of historical materials such as the "Nanjing Massacre" and "Unit 731". Some commentators said that the American people, who did not know the history of World War II in Asia, learned more about the truth through this incident. Do you have any comment?

Wu Qian: I don't comment on the film itself. However, it should be emphasized that during World War II, the Japanese army that invaded China flagrantly violated international law and the basic moral norms of mankind, created the Nanjing Massacre, exterminated humanity, launched heinous bacteriological warfare against the Chinese people, carried out inhumane human experiments, committed monstrous crimes against mankind, and left the darkest page in the history of human civilization.

History is the best textbook. As a defeated country in World War II, Japan could not face up to its history of aggression, and the ghost of militarism persisted. For some time now, the current officials of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have collectively visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Class-A war criminals of World War II, and retired generals have been appointed as the top priests of the Yasukuni Shrine. We urge the Japanese side to deeply learn the lessons of history, take concrete actions to completely break with militarism, and avoid further losing credibility with its Asian neighbors and the international community.

Reporter: According to reports, the Taiwan military recently held a computer war game exercise in the "Han Kuang-40" exercise, which was extended from five days and four nights to eight days and seven nights. It is worth noting that for the first time in this year's exercise, the Taiwan military will include the so-called scenario of dealing with the "threat of mainland ro-ro ships." Do you have any comment on this?

Wu Qian: The DPP authorities' vain attempt to "seek independence by force" will only aggravate tensions in the Taiwan Strait and harm the security and well-being of the Taiwan people. "Han Guangbing's push" pushes back and forth, and the "use of force to seek independence" is doomed to failure.

Reporter: I have three questions. The first question, according to reports, Australia recently released a national defense strategy report, and the Australian defense minister said that China will adopt a "coercive strategy" to achieve its strategic goals, and Australia will strengthen its naval capabilities. Second question: Recently, the Beijiang River and other rivers in Guangdong Province were flooded, and the officers and men of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) immediately plunged into rescue and disaster relief work. Please provide further information. The third question is, according to reports, the new commander of the US Pacific Fleet attended the Western Pacific Naval Forum, has China and the United States communicated on the recent situation in the South China Sea? Will this forum help convey China's attitude and voice?

Wu Qian: On your first question. The unwarranted hype of the so-called "China threat" in the relevant report of the Australian side is nothing more than a pretext for the development of its own military strength, which China firmly opposes. We are ready to work with all parties to build a united and progressive Asia-Pacific family, and resolutely oppose any form of zero-sum game and bloc confrontation. After the resumption of China-Australia relations, the development of relations between the two militaries is also facing new opportunities. It is hoped that the Australian side will take a correct view of China's development and strategic intentions, abandon the Cold War mentality, and do more things that are conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability, rather than the opposite.

On the second question. Recently, heavy rains and heavy rains have fallen in many places in Guangdong Province, floods have occurred in many rivers such as the Beijiang River, flash floods and geological disasters have occurred in many places, and some cities and towns have been waterlogged. Disaster is an order. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have resolutely implemented the spirit of Chairman Xi's important instructions on flood prevention and disaster relief, acted quickly, charged ahead, and bravely shouldered heavy burdens. The Southern Theater activated the emergency response mechanism in accordance with the case, strengthened coordination and docking with local party committees and governments, and quickly directed the officers and soldiers of the troops stationed in Guangdong and the militia to participate in rescue and disaster relief operations. As of 20:00 on the 24th, a total of 2,195 people were dispatched to participate in landslide rescue, road rush, urban drainage and other urgent, difficult, dangerous and heavy tasks, urgently evacuated 3,928 people affected by the disaster, opened field gas stations and emergency power stations, provided fuel and electricity support for military and local disaster relief vehicles, and played the role of commandos and main forces in emergency rescue and disaster relief. At present, the disaster situation has been effectively controlled, the emergency rescue and rescue has come to an end, and the disaster relief troops are organizing an orderly retreat. All units of the armed forces resolutely obey the orders of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and Chairman Xi Jinping, faithfully implement the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, make preparations to support local emergency rescue and disaster relief at any time, and resolutely fulfill all tasks entrusted by the party and the people.

On the third question. During the 19th Annual Meeting of the Western Pacific Naval Forum, Chinese Navy Commander Hu Zhongming and Political Commissar Yuan Huazhi respectively met or exchanged views with the heads of naval delegations of France, Voljou, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, Divin, Commander of the Chilean Navy, Moiseev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, and Koehler, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, respectively, to exchange views on strengthening maritime cooperation. The Chinese Navy is ready to work with other countries to further strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and play a positive and constructive role in serving the building of a maritime community with a shared future.

Reporter: According to reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that India-China relations are very important and significant, and he believes that the two countries can restore peace and tranquility in the border areas through active and constructive diplomatic and military engagement. The Indian defense minister said that the Indian side will continue to resolve the confrontation issue in the border areas through dialogue with the Chinese side, and the two sides should strive to achieve disengagement and ease the situation. Do you have any comment?

Wu Qian: At present, the situation along the China-India border is generally stable. The two sides have maintained effective communication through diplomatic and military channels, engaged in active, in-depth and constructive dialogue on resolving border issues of mutual concern, made some positive progress, and agreed to reach a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible.

Reporter: The leaders of the United States and Japan recently issued a joint statement announcing a major upgrade in Japan-US security, that the US Forces Command in Japan will reorganize the Joint Operations Command, that the US side will give more authority to the US Forces Command in Japan, and that it will consider appointing a four-star general to lead the US forces in Japan. Some commentators said that the move clearly pointed to China and the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Do you have any comment on this?

Wu Qian: The US-Japan alliance is a product of the Cold War and a bilateral arrangement, and should not be aimed at any third party or undermine regional peace and stability. Japan has gone astray from militarism, launched wars of aggression, committed serious crimes against humanity, and brought untold disasters to the region and the world. Far from seriously reflecting on itself, Japan has once again displayed a dangerous situation of strengthening its armed forces and expanding its armed forces. For some time now, the United States and Japan have stepped up military collusion, exaggerated bloc confrontation, and used the trumped-up "China threat" as an excuse to create targeted "small circles", which is completely against the trend of the times and will only make the world more and more aware of the US-Japan alliance's plot to endanger regional peace and stability. We urge the countries concerned to stop creating confrontation, otherwise they will only escalate regional tensions and ultimately eat back on themselves.

I would also like to stress that the Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affair and brooks no foreign interference.

Reporter: After Chinese mainland recently announced the launch of the M503 route, more than 20 Continental Army planes appeared near the "middle line of the strait." Some analysts believe that this has broken the tacit understanding between the two sides of the strait for many years and may make military relations between Taiwan and the mainland even more tense. Do you have any comment on this?

Wu Qian: The spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council has already responded to the relevant considerations of this route. Here, I would like to repeat what I just said in response to a question raised by a Taiwan reporter: As long as we do not engage in "Taiwan independence," we do not need to be worried.

Reporter: According to reports, the US National Security Advisor recently said that the US will "take all measures to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" to ensure that "Taiwan incidents" will never happen, and will continue to provide Taiwan with means of self-defense. The US Deputy Secretary of State said that the "Aukus" submarine agreement between the United States, Britain and Australia will promote peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Do you have any comment on this?

Wu Qian: "Taiwan has troubles" originated from the United States stirring up trouble. If the US really wants to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, it should immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs, immediately stop arming Taiwan, and immediately stop all official exchanges and military ties between the United States and Taiwan.

"AUKUS" is a product of the Cold War mentality of the United States, Britain and Australia, which will only aggravate tensions, provoke confrontation and undermine peace. Any attempt to use military cooperation to meddle in the Taiwan issue is interference in China's internal affairs, violates the one-China principle and basic norms governing international relations, and jeopardizes peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese People's Liberation Army shoulders the sacred mission of defending state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never let it go unchecked or soft-hearted toward all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external connivance and support.

Reporter: According to reports, the US aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt recently invaded the South China Sea and approached Scarborough Shoal, deliberately disrupting the South China Sea. Do you have any comment on this?

Wu Qian: China has indisputable sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and its adjacent waters. The relevant actions of the US side threaten China's sovereignty and security, undermine regional peace and stability, and run counter to the momentum of the steady development of relations between the two countries and the two militaries. We demand that the US stop stirring up trouble in the South China Sea. China's armed forces will continue to intensify naval and air patrols to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security, and resolutely safeguard regional peace and stability.

Reporter: I have two questions. First, the Philippines is trying to increase strategic diplomatic relations with the United States, how will this affect China? Second, what measures has China taken in the South China Sea to avoid U.S. involvement?

Wu Qian: On your first question. The relationship between the United States and the Philippines is a bilateral arrangement between the United States and the Philippines, which must not harm the interests of China, regional countries, or undermine regional peace and stability.

On your second question, the Chinese armed forces have always been closely monitoring the development of the situation in the South China Sea, and will take all effective measures to effectively deal with it, and will never allow relevant parties to disrupt the South China Sea.

Reporter: The US State Department recently released its 2024 Arms Control, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Compliance Report, accusing China of failing to comply with its nuclear test moratorium and carrying out sensitive biological military activities. Do you have any comment?

Wu Qian: China firmly opposes the US report, which has always turned black and white upside down and created something out of nothing, avoiding talking about its own problems in the field of arms control and non-proliferation, and pouring dirty water on other countries in order to divert focus and evade responsibility.

As a responsible member of the international community, China was one of the first countries to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and since the declaration of the "moratorium on nuclear testing" in 1996, China has always abided by its commitments and worked hard to uphold the international consensus on a nuclear test ban. China has also always strictly fulfilled its international obligations, including the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention.

On the issue of compliance, the US side has a bad record. The United States should make it clear why it keeps withdrawing from the group and breaking treaties in the field of arms control; why it has invested huge sums of money in nuclear weapons laboratories and related activities, and why it has openly declared that it will retain its nuclear explosion test program? why it has set up hundreds of biological laboratories around the world? Why it has cooperated with Britain and Australia in nuclear submarines to cause de facto nuclear proliferation? The United States must give a clear explanation to the international community.

Reporter: According to reports, the US-Japan-Philippines summit recently issued a joint statement expressing "grave concern" over the situation at Ren'ai Jiao and China's "dangerous and aggressive" actions in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, urging China to abide by the South China Sea arbitration award and calling for a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan issue. Do you have any comment?

Wu Qian: We strongly deplore and resolutely oppose the US-Japan-Philippines joint statement that disregards facts, reverses black and white, and makes groundless accusations against China.

China's indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters has a full historical and legal basis. The territorial scope of the Philippines is determined by a series of international treaties, including the 1898 US-Spanish Peace Treaty, the 1900 US-Spanish Treaty on the Cession of the Outer Islands of the Philippines, and the 1930 Treaty on the Delimitation of the Boundary between British North Borneo and the US Philippines.

Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have been Chinese territory since ancient times, first discovered, named and used by the Chinese, and have been under the jurisdiction of China's coastal defense since the early Ming Dynasty. The Japanese side took advantage of the First Sino-Japanese War to steal Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands, and it is fair to say that Diaoyu Dao has been returned to China under international law in accordance with international legal documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. Japan's attempt to fish in troubled waters on the issue of sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands is completely wishful thinking.

The so-called award in the South China Sea arbitration case is a piece of waste paper. The arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration case violated the principle of "state consent" by exceeding its authority and arbitrarily adjudicating the award, which seriously violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and general international law. By the way, the US side has a very bad history of accepting international arbitration. Not to mention illegal arbitration, it is a legal award, and the US side has repeatedly refused to accept it. We ask the US side to seriously reflect on itself before blaming others.

The Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affair and brooks no foreign interference. The governments of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines have all made solemn commitments to China on the Taiwan issue. We call on these countries to honour their commitments, immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop undermining regional peace and stability. The Chinese People's Liberation Army will, as always, firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Reporter: According to reports, Gu Lixiong, who is listed as a "Taiwan independence" diehard by the mainland, is rumored to be taking over as the leader of Taiwan's defense department. He openly stated this morning that his primary goal after taking office is to continuously postpone the timetable for possible military moves on the mainland. What do you think of his statement?

Wu Qian: "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait, and it is a dead end. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) will resolutely fight "independence" and promote reunification, and will thwart all separatist plots.

Reporter: According to reports, the US Army Pacific announced on its official website that the US Multi-Domain Task Force 1 has deployed medium-range missiles for the first time in northern Luzon Island in the Philippines. According to some analysts, the missile can hit China's coast. Do you have any comment?

Wu Qian: We firmly oppose the deployment of INF missiles by the US in the Asia-Pacific region. The relevant actions of the US side seriously threaten regional national security and seriously undermine regional peace and stability, and will be resolutely countered by China. We hope that the countries concerned will refrain from luring wolves into their homes, lest they harm others and themselves.

Reporter: I have two questions. First, U.S. President Joe Biden recently signed a foreign aid bill worth about $95 billion, which will provide about $60 billion and $26 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and Israel, respectively, and about $8 billion to "Indo-Pacific" partners, including Taiwan. Do you have any comment on this? Second, the Philippines recently received the first batch of BrahMos anti-ship missiles purchased from India, which have a range of about 290 km. Some analysts say that this missile has a long range, and the Philippines will use it to deter the South China Sea. Do you have any comment on this?

Wu Qian: On your first question. Taiwan is the Taiwan of China. The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests and the first red line in Sino-US relations that cannot be crossed, and brooks no foreign interference. Recently, the US has blurred, hollowed out and distorted the one-China principle by selling arms and aid to Taiwan, sending a seriously wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, which will only aggravate tension in the Taiwan Strait and seriously undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Conniving at and supporting "Taiwan independence" is bound to set oneself on fire and reap the bitter consequences.

On the second question. China has always maintained that defense and security cooperation among relevant countries must not harm the interests of third parties or undermine regional peace and stability.

Reporter: During the Western Pacific Naval Forum held in Qingdao recently, what specific issues did the Chinese and US representatives discuss when they met? Did they reach a consensus?

Wu Qian: As for the arrangements for the bilateral meeting of the Western Pacific Naval Forum, I just gave a briefing on the overall situation. For details of one of these events, please contact the organizers.

Reporter: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently said that China's acceleration of the construction of its nuclear arsenal poses a concern for global and regional stability. It has also been reported that Japan recently published the "Diplomatic Blue Book," which exaggerates the so-called "China threat" and calls China the "greatest strategic challenge" that it has never seen before. Do you have any comment?

Wu Qian: Japan's remarks are completely false narratives, and we firmly oppose them. China firmly pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, adheres to the nuclear strategy of self-defense and the nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level required by national security, and does not participate in any form of arms race. As long as no country uses nuclear weapons against China, it will not be threatened by China's nuclear weapons. As a victim of a nuclear explosion, Japan has reason to be highly vigilant against the fact that instead of demanding US nuclear disarmament, Japan has relied on the US "nuclear umbrella" to cooperate with the forward deployment of US strategic forces and undermine regional and global strategic balance and stability.

The Japanese side keeps talking about China in order to cover up its dangerous move to shake off the shackles of the pacifist constitution and return to the old path of military expansion. We hope that the Japanese side will wake up from the old dream of militarism at an early date, stop making false accusations against China, stop creating regional tensions, and stop being a troublemaker for regional peace and stability.

Reporter: According to reports, the US and the Philippines are holding a joint military exercise codenamed "Shoulder to Shoulder" in the South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard will participate in the exercise for the first time. A senior Philippine official said that he intends to invite Japan's Self-Defense Forces to participate in next year's exercises. Do you have any comment on this?

Wu Qian: It takes great wisdom to resolve the South China Sea issue, and bringing in foreign forces and non-parties will only complicate the situation. China has always advocated the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocated the proper resolution of differences through dialogue and consultation among countries in the region, opposed the intervention of foreign forces, the flaunting of force and provocation in the South China Sea, and the practice of forming cliques and cliques and opposing blocs. China's armed forces are closely monitoring relevant developments, will take strong and effective measures to resolutely respond to them, and will never allow them to disrupt the South China Sea.

Wu Qian: If there are no other questions, let me say a few more words. 23 April is the 75 th anniversary of the founding of the People's Navy, and first of all, I would like to congratulate the Navy on a happy birthday! I wish the People's Navy that, under the strong leadership of the party, will cut through the waves and become strong in the sea! The comrades-in-arms of the Navy entrusted us to present a small souvenir to all journalists and friends - a set of naval badges, which are naval anchors, domestic aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, large destroyers, carrier-based fighters, and submarines, I hope you like it. After the press conference, please pick it up at the staff.

That's all for today's press conference, thank you!

Source: Ministry of National Defense Network Editor-in-charge: Wang Cang