China's Defense Ministry Criticizes US Reports on Military Developments

On Saturday, Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of China, expressed strong criticism towards a report by the US Department of Defense titled "Military and Security development involving the PRC." He accused the US of routinely publishing deceptive reports over the past two decades as a means to justify its military enhancements and manipulate public opinion against China. Zhang called for the US to abandon its fictitious narratives, reassess its misconceptions about China, and work towards a stable and constructive development of military and bilateral relations.

The Pentagon's recent report highlighted what it described as the growing threat posed by China's advancing military capabilities, projecting that China will surpass 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030. Furthermore, the report suggested that China might be exploring the development of long-range missile systems, which could potentially allow it to conduct conventional strikes on US territories. In response, Zhang voiced his strong dissatisfaction with the US report, asserting that it distorts China's defense strategy, speculates on its military progress, and interferes in China's internal matters by propagating unfounded claims about a so-called "Chinese military threat."

Zhang emphasized that China's defense policy focuses on peaceful development and adheres to a defensive posture. He highlighted that China contributes to global security through constructive actions while criticizing the US for using its military supremacy to pursue unilateral control, instigate regime changes, and engage in armed conflicts, resulting in humanitarian crises globally. He pointed out the contrasting military strategies of the US and China, noting that China's nuclear strategy is based on a self-defense principle with a no-first-use policy, in stark contrast to the US's first-use approach and extensive nuclear arsenal upgrades.

The statement addressed China's commitment to national sovereignty concerning Taiwan, labeling it a non-negotiable issue and asserting that any attempts to separate Taiwan from China would be met with resolute opposition. Zhang urged the US to respect the one-China principle and to cease its military collaboration with Taiwan, as it only aggravates tensions. He reiterated the importance of establishing an open and trustful military relationship with the US and encouraged more constructive interactions that align with the principles of mutual respect and stability in their bilateral ties.