U.S. Defense Secretary May Visit China Soon? Ministry of Defense Responds

On the afternoon of November 13, Senior Colonel Chen Xi, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, released information regarding recent military-related issues.

Ministry of National Defense Introduction

Regarding Sino-U.S. Military Exchanges

Reporter: The U.S. Department of Defense announced that the U.S. and Chinese militaries held a crisis communication and prevention working group meeting in Washington. We have noted that there have been multiple interactions between the U.S. and Chinese militaries recently, and there are reports that the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Commander of the Pacific Command may visit China soon. Please provide information regarding Sino-U.S. military exchanges.

Chen Xi: From November 2 to 3, the U.S. and Chinese militaries held the fourth crisis communication and prevention working group meeting in Washington, where both sides conducted in-depth exchanges of views on implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthening communication and exchanges, and avoiding misunderstandings and misjudgments. Maintaining stable, healthy, and sustainable development of Sino-U.S. military relations is in the common interest of both sides and is also a common expectation of the international community. The Chinese side values strategic communication between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, and the defense departments of both countries maintain communication and coordination at all levels. We hope that the U.S. side will work together with the Chinese side to effectively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen communication and dialogue, properly manage differences, and add positive factors for building a constructive strategic stability relationship between China and the U.S.

Various Actions of Japanese Right-Wing Forces

Are a Flagrant Provocation to the Post-War International Order

Reporter: According to reports, Japan's new version of the "Security Three Documents" plans to continue designating China as the "greatest strategic challenge," with defense budget expenditures expected to rise to 70 trillion to 80 trillion yen over the next five years. The Japanese government is considering revising the "National Security Strategy" to include exceptions to the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," potentially allowing nuclear weapons to be brought into Japan in emergencies. What is your comment on this?

Chen Xi: Japan is a defeated country from World War II. Historically, Japanese militarism has committed heinous crimes, causing severe disasters to the people of the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Japan should deeply reflect on its history of aggression and the crimes it has committed, and learn profound lessons from history. However, Japanese right-wing forces continue to fabricate the so-called "China Threat Theory," distorting facts and portraying themselves as "victims," accelerating the expansion of defense spending, strengthening offensive operations and long-range strike capabilities, and now even attempting to achieve a gradual loosening of nuclear restrictions. These actions not only betray Japan's own commitments to peace but also constitute a blatant provocation to the post-war international order and the authority of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The international community should remain highly vigilant and jointly curb Japan's reckless moves towards "re-militarization," maintain the international nuclear non-proliferation system, and safeguard international security and peace.

Ministry of National Defense: The Philippine Side Should Strictly Restrain

The Dangerous Words and Actions of Individual Politicians

Reporter: According to reports, the Philippine Secretary of Defense recently stated in an interview that considering there are 200,000 Filipino expatriates living in Taiwan, the Philippines is preparing for various possible situations. If China attempts to forcibly take over Taiwan, it would be a costly option. What is your comment on this?

Chen Xi: The Taiwan issue is purely a domestic matter for China, and how to resolve it is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, which does not allow for outside interference. The remarks of certain Philippine politicians stem from political bias and personal interests, deviating from the serious commitments made by the Philippine government to China regarding the Taiwan issue. The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this. The Chinese side's determination to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve national reunification is unwavering. We urge the Philippine side to strictly restrain the dangerous words and actions of individual politicians and earnestly uphold the One China principle, taking practical actions to maintain the overall situation of China-Philippines relations.