By Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, Deputy Director General of the
Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and
Spokesperson for the MND
Senior
Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense
(MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers reporters’ questions at a regular press conference on July 27,
2023. (Photo/mod.gov.cn)
(The following English text of the press conference is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)
Question:
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory in the War to
Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. What does the great spirit forged in
this war mean for the Chinese armed forces on its new journey in the
new era?
Answer:
President Xi Jinping pointed out that the victory of the War to Resist
US Aggression and Aid Korea is a victory of justice, a victory of peace
and a victory of the people. 70 years ago, the heroic Chinese People’s
Volunteers (CPV), together with the people and army of the Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), achieved a great victory in the War
to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea after two years and nine months of
arduous and bloody fighting.
In
the world there is the spirit of righteousness, which is inviolable and
lives on forever. Although the smoke of the war 70 years ago has
dissipated, the tremendous achievements of the CPV in defending our
motherland are recorded in history. The famous song Praise to Heroes
which salutes to those who “sacrificed their lives to preserve peace”
has been passed down through generations, and the great spirit forged in
the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea transcends time and
space, and will be carried forward. The veterans are forever in our
hearts, and will never be forgotten. We hereby solemnly pay tribute to
the martyrs of the CPV: As long as the great spirit of Resisting US
Aggression and Aiding Korea lives, you live; as long as we live, you
live.
As
a valuable spiritual treasure, the great spirit of Resisting US
Aggression and Aiding Korea inspires the Chinese people and the whole
nation to overcome all difficulties and obstacles, and prevail overall
enemies. In the face of the requirements of building a strong country
with a strong military in the new era, and the complex and severe
security situation, we will vigorously promote the great spirit of
Resisting US Aggression and Aiding Korea, enhance our awareness of
potential dangers, crises, and wars, keep in mind our original
aspirations and founding mission, maintain our faith in securing success
with confidence and determination. We will comprehensively enhance our
combat readiness, resolutely fulfill the missions and tasks of the
People’s military in the new era, and make new and greater contributions
to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, development interests,
and world peace and stability.
Question:
It is reported that starting from August 1 this year, primary militia
and full-time cadres of the People’s Armed Forces departments nationwide
will successively receive and wear type-21combat uniforms. This has
attracted wide attention from society. Please provide more information
on the uniform replacement.
Answer:
With the approval of the State Council and the Central Military
Commission, from August 1 this year, type-21 combat uniforms will be
successively distributed to primary militia and full-time cadres of the
People’s Armed Forces departments throughout the country.
The
main considerations behind this decision are as follows: First,
strengthening honorary incentives. Militia and full-time cadres of the
People’s Armed Forces departments are important forces in improving
mobilization capability of the society and maintaining national security
and stability. In recent years, they have played a dynamic role in
maintaining stability in border areas, preventing and controlling the
COVID-19 pandemic, emergency rescue and disaster relief, and other
urgent, difficult, dangerous and arduous tasks. Equipping primary
militia and full-time cadres of the People’s Armed Forces departments
with type-21 combat uniforms is conducive to stimulating their sense of
honor and responsibility, and pool the strength of the society in
supporting national defense and reserve force development. Second,
unifying and standardizing the uniform. Equipping primary militia and
full-time cadres of the People’s Armed Forces departments with type-21
combat uniforms is of great significance for standardizing the uniform,
strengthening the standardization of the forces, and promoting their
good conduct and fresh image in the new era. Third, adhering to the
principle of frugality. Considering the actual condition of combat
readiness training, task execution, and financial support for primary
militia and full-time cadres of the People’s Armed Forces departments,
the distribution will be successively implemented based on the
principles of total amount control, year-by-year distribution, and
orderly transition. The distributed varieties mainly include jungle
camouflage summer combat uniforms, desert camouflage winter combat
uniforms, desert camouflage training coats, and accompanying military
insignia. Meanwhile, type-07 short-sleeved physical training uniforms,
belts, and training shoes will be provided to meet the needs of primary
militia and full-time cadres of the People’s Armed Forces departments
for emergency missions and daily training.
Type-21
combat uniforms for primary militia are classified as communal clothing
and accouterments, which should be stored, distributed, and retrieved
by local military authorities or primary-level armed forces departments.
Type-21 combat uniforms for full-time cadres of the People’s Armed
Forces departments should be registered and distributed in a unified
manner by local military authorities, and individual cadres should store
and use them according to regulations. Type-21 combat uniforms for
primary militia and full-time cadres of the People’s Armed Forces
departments will be covered by the military uniform management system,
and military authorities and governments at different levels will
regularly organize inspections on the production, sales, management and
use of the uniform, so as to effectively maintain the specificity and
solemnity of military uniforms.
Question:
It is reported that in 2023, the number of high school graduates
admitted to military academies has increased to over 17,000 in total,
which has attracted public attention. Please give us more details on the
recruitment and admission work of military academies this year.
Answer:
In the new era, the paths to success are diverse for young people. I
believe that whichever choice they make, they will eventually realize
both their patriotic pursuits and personal dreams, and contribute to the
development of the country. Currently, the recruitment of high school
graduates by military academies has completed, and more than 17,000
students have received admission letters. In general, this year military
academies are more favored by students compared to previous years. The
number of registered candidates continues to increase, with a total of
over 50,000 examinees from 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous
regions in China participating in the military health examination. The
completion rate of enrollment plans reaches a record high. The quality
of students has increased year by year, and the average examination
score of enrolled students in military academies is nearly 90 points
higher than the thresholds for first-tier civilian universities or
special-type enrollment in the same province.
Join
the military from school and ride the crest of youth. We warmly welcome
the students admitted to military academies. This is the starting point
of your military career, and a place where passion and dreams run wild.
Here, you will forge yourself into a service member with ironclad faith
and courage and make great contributions to the cause of strengthening
the military. Come on, new comrades. Let’s strive to live life to the
fullest in your wonderful youth!
Question:
It is reported that the PLA Air Force’s aviation open-day activities
kicked off in Changchun, Jilin Province, on July 26, which attracted
wide attention. Could you please brief us on more details of the
activities?
Answer: With the theme of “Chase sky dreams, Win the Future”, the PLA Air Force
(PLAAF) aviation open-day activities focused on showing the strength
and promoting the culture of air and space, demonstrating the phased
achievements of the PLAAF in studying and implementing the guiding
principles set forth by the 20th CPC National Congress and accelerating
the building of a world-class air force. The event has three highlights.
First, diversified equipment. Over a hundred types of equipment,
covering air control, air defense, early warning, and airborne purposes,
are exhibited, which systematically reveals the development history of
the PLAAF, especially the great achievements made in the new era.
Second, various eye-catchers. The air-show features demonstration of
force-on-force air combat and other new realistic combat subjects,
synchronous demonstration of YY-20, J-20, and J-16 aircraft, and the
domestic debut of PLAAF Bayi (August 1st) Aerobatic Team after
conversion to the J-10C fighter jet. The ground static display, for the
first time, set up spaces for classic ex-service equipment and the
logistics and meteorological equipment, which collectively demonstrates
the effectiveness of realistic combat training of the PLAAF. Third,
diverse concurrent activities. Military barrack open-day activities, the
Blue Sky Spring Bud national defense summer camps, PLAAF Military Band
tours and other events were held simultaneously. Furthermore, front-line
service members and new-generation pilots were invited to interact with
audience, giving them a vivid impression of the ethos of the PLAAF
troops in the new era.
Chase
dreams in the blue sky and win glories in our endeavors. The people’s
air force will unswervingly follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on
Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to enhance
cohesion and follow the Party’s command, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping
Thought on Strengthening the Military, and drive the transformation of
the air force towards integrated air and space capabilities for both
offensive and defensive tasks with a sense of mission and urgency, so as
to comprehensively improve the ability to fulfill missions and tasks in
the new era and strive to achieve the military’s centenary goal in
2027.
Question:
According to reports, the PLAN hospital ship Peace Ark on Mission
Harmony-2023 recently provided medical services in Kiribati and received
a warm welcome from the local people. Please brief us on this mission
of Peace Ark.
Answer:
From July 15 to 22, the PLAN hospital ship Peace Ark, which is on
Mission Harmony-2023, visited Kiribati and provided medical services to
the local people and overseas Chinese. The main platform treated a total
of 5,095 patients, performed 20 surgeries, conducted 94 physical
examinations, and actively engaged in health education activities.
During the visit, the Chinese medical staff aboard the hospital ship
delivered a baby for a local woman. Kiribati President Taneti Maamau
personally named the baby “Aken Teraoi”, which means “Peace Ark” in the
Kiribati language. The hospital ship also dispatched seven medical
teams, totaling 46 people, to provide medical services in local
hospitals, communities, seniors’ associations, and outer islands, and
treated 1,538 local residents.
In
addition, during the voyage to Kiribati, the hospital ship received a
notification from the Chinese Embassy in Kiribati on the night of July
12, and immediately adjusted its course to carry out an emergency
maritime medical assistance operation. The medical staff successfully
performed damage control surgery on a Chinese fisherman who was
accidentally injured during offshore operations. Here I would like to
share with you a piece of good news, that is, the vital signs of the
patient are stable after the surgery and he has departed to return home
for follow-up treatment.
Sail
with benevolence, and bring love to all. The Peace Ark hospital ship
was built for healing and came for aid. It reflects the moral
responsibility taken by the Chinese military and has become a widely
recognized symbol of warmth and care by the international community.
Currently, the hospital ship is en route to Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon
Islands, and Timor-Leste. Our medical personnel will continue to provide
high-quality and efficient medical services and faithfully practice the
concept of a maritime community with a shared future through concrete
actions.
The first “Peace Baby” during Mission Harmony-2023 was born in Kiribati on July 16. (Photo by Liu Wei)
The PLAN hospital ship Peace Ark sent medical teams to local communities to provide medical service. (Photo by Xu Xiaolong)
Medical
personnel aboard the PLAN hospital ship Peace Ark provide medical
service to the people of Kiribati. (Photo by Xu Xiaolong)
An injured Chinese fisherman received surgery on the PLAN hospital ship Peace Ark. (Photo by Li Yu)
Question:
It is reported that the PLA Naval Medical University recently held an
online medical lecture for international alumni via video link. Please
provide further information.
Answer:
The PLA Naval Medical University (NMU) recently held the first online
medical lecture for NMU international alumni from July 17 to 18. 205 NMU
international students and alumni from 38 countries attended the
lecture and engaged in in-depth and extensive academic exchanges and
discussions under the theme of “building a global community of health
for all”. During the event, participating students and alumni as well as
Chinese medical experts had 13 lectures and exchanges on six sub-topics
including diving and high-pressure medicine and international military
medical missions. Six international students from five countries were
specially invited to share their medical research achievements and
experience in medical support missions. The event achieved the goal of
building academic consensus, broadening professional horizons, and
promoting communication and cooperation.
Doctor
is a profession of nobility and benevolence, and love has no
boundaries. The Chinese military is willing to work together with its
counterparts around the world to continue to enhance professional
communication and friendship in the field of international military
medicine through academic exchanges and other activities, and jointly
promote the building of a global community of health for all.
A
lecture themed “International military medical mission” was held during
the first online medical lecture for NMU international alumni. (Photo
by Li Ye）
International students of the PLA NMU attended the event via video link and had offline communication. (Photo by Li Ye)
International students and alumni of the PLA NMU gathered online to conduct academic exchanges. (Photo by Bu Fan)
Question:
It is reported that the Chinese Ministry of National Defense recently
invited the African Young Officers Delegation (AYOD) to visit China.
Could you please brief us more on that?
Answer: At the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, the AYOD
with members from over 40 African countries visited China from July 17
to 23. During the tours to Beijing, Changsha and Shanghai, they listened
to lectures on topics including China’s national defense policy and
China-Africa military cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative, the
China-Africa community with a shared future, national security and
scientific and technological development. They also visited the National
University of Defense Technology (NUDT), the Memorial Hall of Comrade
Mao Zedong in Shaoshan, the Military Museum of Chinese People’s
Revolution, and other units and hi-tech enterprises, and had in-depth
communication with young officers of the Chinese military.
This
is the second time for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense to
invite the AYOD to visit China. This aims to deepen the traditional
friendship between the Chinese military and the militaries of African
countries, enhance mutual understanding and exchanges between young
military officers, and strengthen China-Africa cooperation on peace and
security. Many participants said that this visit offered them a deeper
understanding of the important visions proposed by President Xi
including building the China-Africa community with a shared future in
the new era and the Global Security Initiative, and a first-hand
experience of the development of China’s national defense and military.
They looked forward to having more opportunities to strengthen exchanges
and carry forward the friendship with the Chinese counterparts and will
make unremitting efforts to build an even closer China-Africa community
with a shared future.
Question:
It is reported that the Russian military recently participated in the
Beibu Unity-2023 exercise organized by the PLA Northern Theater Command.
Please give us more information about the exercise.
Answer: According to the annual exchange program between the Chinese and
Russian militaries, from July 20 to 23, the Russian military
participated in the Beibu Unity-2023 exercise organized by the PLA
Northern Theater Command in the central part of the Sea of Japan. More
than 10 vessels and over 30 aircraft were dispatched by China and Russia
for the exercise. With the theme of “safeguarding the safety of
strategic maritime passage”, the two sides conducted drills on relevant
subjects and subsequently held a joint naval patrol. This fully reflects
the level of strategic mutual trust between the two countries and
further consolidates the traditional friendship between the two
militaries. China is willing to continuously enhance practical exchanges
and cooperation with different parties to actively contribute to
maintaining regional peace and stability and addressing various security
challenges.
Question:
It is reported that the “Sharp Blade-2023” International Sniper
Competition was recently held in Urumqi, Xinjiang, gathering
participants from Belarus, Pakistan, Kuwait and other countries. Please
tell us more about it.
Answer: The PAP held the “Sharp Blade-2023” International Sniper Competition in
Urumqi from July 12 to 15. Over 40 sniper teams from 19 countries
participated in the competition.
Focusing
on “realistic combat conditions, elite capability, and challenging
set-up”, this competition combined technology with tactics, competition
with combat, tradition with innovation, and Chinese characteristics with
international practices. There are three points to highlight.
First,
ensuring the convert, unexpected and accurate features of the
competition as in real sniper operations. The competition consisted of
12 subjects in 4 categories, which fully combined real combat skills
with competition. Second, developing and introducing automatic
assessment, digital registration and live streaming systems into the
competition for the 1st time. This not only ensured fairness but also
provided the audiences and judges a stronger sense of substitution,
receiving positive responses from team leaders, coaches, and
participants from various countries. Third, the event was well-organized
and well-arranged to ensure a smooth and secure process, and met the
goal of deepening friendship, promoting exchanges, and enhancing
capability. The PAP will continue to hold the “Sharp Blade”
International Sniper Competition regularly. Snipers from all countries
are welcome to participate.
Question:
It is reported that the recent NATO Vilnius Summit claimed in its
Communiqué that “China is rapidly expanding and diversifying its nuclear
arsenal… while failing to engage in meaningful transparency”. NATO
Secretary-General said the other day that the organization was
“concerned about China’s heavy military buildup” and “expansion of its
nuclear forces”. Please comment on that.
Answer:
NATO, as a military bloc in possession of the world’s largest nuclear
arsenal and following a policy of “first use of nuclear weapons”, has
repeatedly played up the so-called “China nuclear threat”. It is full of
smearing rhetoric that confuses right and wrong. The vicious intentions
behind such moves cannot be more obvious. During the Cold War, NATO
made itself the largest nuclear alliance through the so-called “nuclear
sharing” program, which the US has kept promoting in recent years by
peddling the “security threats” narrative. Public information shows that
the US has deployed over 100 nuclear weapons in relevant European
countries, which has seriously intensified the risks of global nuclear
proliferation and conflict. Moreover, the US has withdrawn from treaties
and organizations concerning arms control, made huge investments in
upgrading its nuclear triad to reinforce the so-called “extended
deterrence”, partnered with the UK and Australia in nuclear submarine
development, and recently connived at Japan’s plan to discharge
nuclear-contaminated water into the sea despite international
opposition. Facts have repeatedly proved that the US and NATO are the
biggest sources of risks and instability undermining international peace
and security.
China
steadfastly upholds a self-defensive nuclear strategy and sticks to the
policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and always keeps its nuclear
capabilities at the minimum level required for national security. We
urge NATO to abandon the outdated Cold War mentality, stop fabricating
false narratives, take concrete actions to reduce the role of nuclear
weapons in national and collective security policies, and earnestly
preserve global strategic stability.
Question:
It is reported that the US House of Representatives passed the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 not long ago, which
included accelerating the provision of asymmetric weapons to Taiwan and
inviting the island to participate in the Exercise Rim of the Pacific
(RIMPAC). Besides, the US reached an agreement with Taiwan on selling
its ground-to-air missile systems to the region at their “Monterey
Talks” in early July. What’s your comment, please?
Answer: The US side acknowledged in the August 17th China-US Joint Communiqué
that “there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China”, “the United
States of America recognized the Government of the People’s Republic of
China as the sole legal Government of China”, and “the United States
Government does not seek to carry out a long-term policy of arms sales
to Taiwan, and that it intends gradually to reduce its sale of arms to
Taiwan, leading, over a period of time, to a final resolution.” However,
the US side has gone back on its own words over and over again by
frequently selling arms to Taiwan and strengthening its military ties
with the region. These outrageous actions seriously harm China’s
national sovereignty and security, severely threaten peace and stability
across the Taiwan Strait, and expose the relations between the two
countries and the two militaries to major strategic risks. The Chinese
side is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this.
The
Taiwan question is China’s internal affair and allows no foreign
interference. Taiwan’s security depends on the peaceful development of
cross-Strait relations, and “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace
are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Any words or deeds advocating
stronger US military ties with and arms sales to Taiwan will only
aggravate tensions across the Strait and the risks of conflict and
confrontation, and is essentially seeking to harm Taiwan’s interest and
even destroy Taiwan. We urge the US side to stop its arms sales to and
military ties with Taiwan and refrain from repeating its mistakes on the
Taiwan question. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities
attempt to “solicit US support for Taiwan independence” and collude with
foreign forces to turn Taiwan into an island of landmines and arsenals.
Facts have proved that “Taiwan independence” and foreign interference
pose the greatest threat to cross-Strait peace and stability, and to the
interests and wellbeing of the Taiwan people. The PLA will keep a close
eye on the situation across the Taiwan Strait, and continue to take
resolute and strong measures to defend national sovereignty and
territorial integrity.
Closing
remarks: In a couple of days, we are going to celebrate the 96th
anniversary of the founding of the PLA. Here I would like to extend my
greetings to all service members. The Chinese military will brave winds
to march forward with confidence and strengthen itself to defend our
motherland. The past 96 years have witnessed changes in our military
uniforms, but what remains unchanged and will never change is the
shining red star. The heroic people’s military will always resolutely
obey the Party’s command, carry forward the revolutionary tradition, and
temper strong and capable troops. They have made indelible
accomplishments in fighting for national independence, people’s
liberation, and national prosperity, and have grown into a staunch force
defending national sovereignty, security and development interests as
well as world peace and stability.
The
military marches wherever the banner of the Party goes. The PLA will
rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi
Jinping at its core, follow Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese
Characteristics for a New Era as the fundamental guidance, implement Xi
Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and pool strength to
forge ahead with fortitude and perseverance on the new journey with
glories and dreams, and make unremitting efforts to achieve the Party’s
goal of building a strong military in the new era and transform the
people’s military into a world-class one.
