Ministry of Defense: The US and Japan should genuinely respect the security concerns of regional countries and must not introduce the "DF-21" medium-range missile system.
On the afternoon of June 25, the Ministry of Defense held a regular press conference, where Major General Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, answered reporters' questions.
Reporter: I have two questions. The first question is, according to reports, the Eastern Theater Command's 73rd Group Army conducted live-fire exercises for a new type of air defense missile system for the first time, with the equipment nameplate marked "HQ-16F." This signifies that the PLA has achieved full-domain, full-range interception capabilities from ultra-low altitude to near-space. What is your comment on this? The second question is, according to reports, the United States and Japan recently held several joint exercises such as "Resolute Dragon" and "Brave Shield," and the "Typhoon" medium-range missile system has been redeployed to Japan. The Chief of Staff of Japan's Self-Defense Forces stated that the U.S. has made it clear that the equipment deployed this time is only for exercises and not a permanent deployment, and it will be removed after the exercises in September. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: Let me first answer your first question. The Chinese military is accelerating the development of advanced weaponry and solidly advancing training and preparedness, all to enhance our strategic capabilities to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and to always be a steadfast force for maintaining world peace.
Now, to answer your second question. The "Typhoon" medium-range missile system is an offensive weapon. The deployment of this system by the United States in Asian countries undermines the legitimate security interests of other nations, threatens regional strategic security, and exacerbates the risks of an arms race and military confrontation. Especially with the current rise of Japan's "new militarism," any actions that embolden Japan's right-wing forces are detrimental to regional peace and stability and could also bring disaster upon themselves. The U.S. and Japan should genuinely respect the security concerns of regional countries and refrain from introducing the "Typhoon" medium-range missile system, taking concrete actions to play a positive role in regional peace and stability.
On June 25, 2023, the Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted live-fire exercises with the HQ-16F air defense missile system. Concurrently, the U.S. and Japan engaged in joint military exercises involving the deployment of the Intermediate-Range Missile System in Japan, which China condemned as a threat to regional security. The Chinese defense ministry emphasized the need for the U.S. and Japan to respect regional security concerns and avoid introducing offensive weapons.
- China's military conducted live-fire exercises with the HQ-16F air defense missile system.
- The U.S. and Japan held joint military exercises involving the Intermediate-Range Missile System.
- The deployment of the Intermediate-Range Missile System is described as a threat to regional security.
- China's defense ministry criticized the U.S. and Japan for their military cooperation.
- The report highlights concerns over Japan's rising militarism.