Ministry of Defense Responds to Recent Military-Related Issues

On the afternoon of April 30, the Ministry of Defense held a regular press conference, where Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, answered reporters' questions.

Chinese military aircraft "illuminating" Japanese military aircraft? Ministry of Defense: A self-scripted false narrative

Reporter: The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the 2026 edition of the "Diplomatic Blue Book," stating that China's military movements pose "unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" to Japan and the international community, claiming that Chinese military aircraft "unusually approached" Japanese patrol aircraft and "illuminated" Japanese military aircraft, raising significant concerns in Japan about the strengthening of military cooperation between China and Russia. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Using China to cover up improper schemes is a common tactic of the Japanese side. The so-called "unusual approach" and "radar illumination" of military aircraft are all part of their self-scripted false narrative. The cooperation between China and Russia is not aimed at any third party and is beneficial for maintaining regional peace and stability, and Japan should not make unfounded remarks.

Historically, Japanese militarism launched aggressive wars abroad, committing crimes that are hard to record. Today, the right-wing forces in Japan are arrogant, deliberately trying to break through the constraints of the "Peace Constitution," accelerating the push for "remilitarization," and attempting to overturn the post-war international order. Japanese leaders openly make erroneous statements regarding Taiwan, attempting to use the so-called "collective self-defense" to militarily intervene in the Taiwan issue, brazenly threatening China. Recently, Japanese Self-Defense Force vessels provocatively passed through the Taiwan Strait, and there have been malicious incidents such as active-duty Japanese Self-Defense Force officials storming the Chinese embassy in Japan with knives. The question of who is the real challenge and threat to peace in Asia and even the world has already been answered by history and reality. We warn the Japanese side not to act unilaterally; if they tread the path of militarism again, they will face a severe backlash and repeat the mistakes of their past downfall.

Ministry of Defense responds to Japan's plan to restore military ranks such as "Colonel"

Reporter: According to reports, the Japanese government has officially revised the "Three Principles of Defense Equipment Transfer" and its application guidelines, in principle allowing the export of lethal weapons; in addition, it plans to restore military ranks such as "Colonel," similar to those of the old Japanese army, through legislation set by the National Security Council. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: The Japanese side has recently engaged in dangerous, reckless, and provocative actions in the field of military security, which have long exposed their self-proclaimed image as a "peaceful nation" and "defensive only." Moreover, the Japanese side's attempt to use military rank terminology from the old Japanese army and the planned establishment of a national intelligence agency evoke memories of the infamous "Tokko," seriously hurting the feelings of the people of Asian countries. The Japanese side is racing down the path of "remilitarization." Are they going to become the source of disaster in East Asia again? All peace-loving people should be highly vigilant about this and resolutely curb Japan's regressive actions, ensuring that it does not disrupt peace or bring calamity to the world.

Welcome Taiwanese compatriots to come home often

Reporter: According to reports, retired Taiwanese naval captain Lu Lishi and other Taiwanese compatriots participated in a Navy Open Day event in Qingdao, stating that the strength of the motherland represents the security of Taiwan and expressing a desire to see the Fujian ship. The Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council stated that Lu Lishi's actions align with the mainland's "united front" and will study whether such behavior is illegal. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: During this year's celebration of the 77th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Navy, we organized over 40 active main battle ships to open to the public in 22 city ports, allowing more than 500,000 people to personally experience the achievements of the People's Navy's transformation and construction. In particular, the visit of Taiwanese compatriots to Qingdao to board the motherland's warships received widespread attention, and the flag message of "Two sides of the strait are one family, harmony brings prosperity" resonated strongly on site. The DPP authorities cannot stand to see compatriots from both sides of the strait getting closer; to them, everything is united front work, but no matter how they obstruct, it is all in vain. We welcome Taiwanese compatriots to come home often, witness the great achievements of the new era, and share in the glory of national rejuvenation.

Ministry of Defense responds to the passage of the Liaoning and Sichuan ships through the Taiwan Strait

Reporter: According to reports, recently the Liaoning and Sichuan ships passed through the Taiwan Strait, and the Taiwan defense department stated that they were closely monitoring the situation. Some media claimed that the actions of the Liaoning ship were a show of force against Taiwan and a response to Japanese ships passing through the Taiwan Strait. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Taiwan is China's Taiwan. The passage of the Liaoning and Sichuan ships through the Taiwan Strait to conduct training in relevant waters is a routine arrangement aimed at enhancing the capability to fulfill mission tasks.