PRC MND Regular Press Briefing on April 9, 2025
This briefing included announcements on military competitions and seminars, updates on China-India, China-Cambodia relations, and responses to US actions concerning Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan
(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail. http://www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/xwfyr/yzxwfb/16379693.html)
On the afternoon of April 9, 2025, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered recent media queries concerning the military.
This briefing included announcements on military competitions and seminars, updates on China-India and China-Cambodia relations, and responses to US actions concerning Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
Announcement: Second All-Army Military Translation Challenge
Announcement: International Security Cooperation Seminar for Military Attachés
Announcement: PLA Participation in Pakistan's "Team Spirit-2025" Competition
Advancing China-India Military Relations
China-Cambodia Ream Naval Base Joint Center Update
Response to US Defense Secretary's Remarks in Japan
US-Philippines Actions in the South China Sea
US Internal Memo Identifying China as Pacing Threat
US F-16V Sales to Taiwan
G7 Statement on PLA Exercises Around Taiwan
First, I have three announcements.
Announcement 1: Second All-Army Military Translation Challenge
From April to August, the Second All-Army Military Translation Challenge will be held. It takes place at the PLA National University of Defense Technology's Foreign Language Institute. This competition features innovative formats, updated languages, and broader participation. It promotes military language capabilities, supporting foreign military exchanges and world-class army building.
Announcement 2: International Security Cooperation Seminar for Military Attachés
From April 10th to 11th, the MND hosts the Third International Security Cooperation Seminar. It's for foreign military attachés stationed in China, held at the NDU's International College of Defense Studies. Representatives from international organizations will also attend.
Experts will give presentations on enhancing international military cooperation and addressing regional security challenges. A visit to a new socialist countryside model unit is planned. The event aims to deepen understanding of China and its military, enhancing friendship and trust.
Announcement 3: PLA Participation in Pakistan's "Team Spirit-2025" Competition
In early to mid-April, a PLA Army detachment will go to Pakistan. They will participate in the "Team Spirit-2025" international military competition upon the Pakistan Army's invitation. Key events include night reconnaissance, ambushes, counter-ambushes, and armed swimming. This tests capabilities and strengthens exchanges with participating nations' militaries.
Advancing China-India Military Relations
Journalist: President Xi Jinping and the Indian President recently exchanged congratulatory messages. They agreed to promote healthy, stable bilateral relations. How will China advance military ties?
Zhang Xiaogang: This year marks 75 years of China-India diplomatic relations. President Xi and the Indian President exchanged messages, guiding bilateral ties. China and India are ancient civilizations, major developing countries, and key "Global South" members.
Both are in crucial modernization phases. Cooperation benefits both nations and peoples fundamentally. The Chinese military will work with India to implement leaders' consensus. We will deepen communication, enhance strategic trust, and jointly maintain border peace. We aim for healthy military relations, contributing positively to regional and world peace.
China-Cambodia Ream Naval Base Joint Center Update
Journalist: The China-Cambodia Ream Naval Base Joint Support and Training Center is operational. The "Golden Dragon-2025" joint exercise launch occurred there. Please provide more details.
Zhang Xiaogang: The Center's construction resulted from mutual respect and equal consultation. It complies with domestic laws, international law, and practice. It adds new impetus and substance to bilateral military relations.
The Chinese and Cambodian militaries will further cooperate in joint exercises, training, and exchanges. This enhances capabilities to maintain regional peace and stability.
Response to US Defense Secretary's Remarks in Japan
Journalist: The US Defense Secretary, visiting Japan, called Japan "indispensable" in countering Chinese "aggression." He praised Japanese "bravery" at Iwo Jima, sparking US domestic criticism. Comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: History cannot be forgotten; right and wrong must be clear. The international community knows who started wars, pursued expansion, and upholds peace. This year is the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War Against Japanese Aggression and World War II.
Some US individuals engage in political stunts, whitewashing Japanese militarism. How does this honor those who died fighting fascism? This caused public anger in the US and invites global opposition and historical ridicule.
We urge relevant countries to stop spreading false narratives. Do not treat the Asia-Pacific as a geopolitical "hunting ground." Do not incite bloc politics or military confrontation, harming regional security.
US-Philippines Actions in the South China Sea
Journalist: The US Defense Secretary visited the Philippines, reaffirming defense treaty commitments against the "China threat." US-Philippines-Japan conducted joint patrols; the US approved F-16 sales to the Philippines. Comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: The US uses bilateral treaties to interfere in the South China Sea. This harms China's sovereignty and maritime rights; attempts to threaten China will fail. The Philippines repeatedly infringes on China's rights.
External countries like the US fuel tensions, disrupting the South China Sea and regional peace. This exposes their role as spoilers and troublemakers. "Relying on external forces" is counterproductive; "pawns" eventually become "abandoned pieces." We advise the Philippines to abandon unrealistic illusions and return to dialogue.
US Internal Memo Identifying China as Pacing Threat
Journalist: US media revealed a secret memo signed by the Defense Secretary. It identifies China as the "only pacing threat." Preventing a mainland takeover of Taiwan and strengthening homeland defense are key priorities. Comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: We noted these reports. US "China-fear paranoia" seems to be worsening. Viewing China as a threat is a serious strategic misjudgment with disastrous consequences. China will achieve reunification; this historical trend is unstoppable by any force.
US F-16V Sales to Taiwan
Journalist: Taiwan reportedly received its first US F-16V fighter; 65 more are due by late 2026. Analysts say this counters China's modernizing air force. Comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: We noted this. It's another instance of the US abandoning commitments and violating the one-China principle. It breaches the three Sino-US joint communiqués, interferes in China's internal affairs, and destabilizes the Taiwan Strait.
US arms sales won't change the cross-strait military balance or stop China's reunification. The DPP authorities waste taxpayer money meant for public welfare on harmful, destructive schemes. Seeking "independence through US support" or "resisting reunification by force" only leads Taiwan towards war and self-destruction.
G7 Statement on PLA Exercises Around Taiwan
Journalist: G7 foreign ministers and the EU representative issued a statement on early April PLA exercises near Taiwan. They called China's "provocative" actions destabilizing, opposing unilateral actions threatening peace. Comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: Relevant countries blatantly violated the one-China principle and interfered in China's internal affairs. We strongly oppose this. The Eastern Theater Command's exercises countered "Taiwan independence" forces' arrogance.
These actions defended national sovereignty and territorial integrity. They firmly safeguarded peace, stability, and the well-being of Taiwan compatriots. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair; its resolution brooks no external interference.
The PLA's training and readiness continue. Efforts to counter "independence" and promote reunification persist. We will crush any "Taiwan independence" separatist schemes and external interference attempts.