China's Firm Stand on Territorial Integrity and Regional Stability

China has reiterated its stance as a peace-loving nation that shuns aggression and expansion, while affirming its resolve to protect its legitimate rights and interests. During an online news briefing, Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang dismissed U.S. allegations as unfounded and reiterated that China's military is solely focused on a defensive posture. Zhang emphasized that the nation’s military strategy revolves around active defense and underlined the importance of maintaining stable China-U.S. relations, which he believes serve the broader interests of both nations and the international community.

Addressing recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region, Zhang specifically condemned the U.S. rhetoric regarding alleged Chinese aggression. He pointed out that the United States, through its allies, has been quick to label China’s actions as provocative, despite China’s consistent message of peaceful coexistence. Zhang expressed hope that the U.S. would engage with China based on mutual respect and peaceful principles to foster diplomatic and military exchanges that could contribute to global stability.

In addition, Zhang criticized the Philippines for linking its national security concerns in the South China Sea to the U.S. deployment of the Typhon mid-range missile system. He argued that equating regional disputes with the mere presence of U.S. military equipment is both dangerous and counterproductive. Zhang noted that by allowing such systems on its territory, the Philippines risks compromising its own security and contributing to a destabilizing arms race in the region. The spokesman called for a return to dialogue and consultation, urging the Philippines to remove the contentious missile system, thereby reducing tensions and realigning its policies with international legal standards regarding territorial claims.