Military spokesman speaks out against US coercion

The Chinese military is willing to communicate, cooperate and address mutual differences with the United States, but it opposes coercion and attempts to undermine China's sovereignty, dignity and core interests, the Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.

China-US military-to-military relations are a key part of bilateral ties, but the US has been constantly provoking and pressuring China, and this has created numerous difficulties and challenges for military relations between the two countries, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman for the ministry, said in a press briefing.

However, the two militaries have maintained communication, including video meetings among military officials on Aug 19 and from Sept 28 to 29.

"In these two exchanges, both sides have thoroughly exchanged opinions on issues of mutual concern regarding China-US military-to-military relations and bilateral ties," he said.

Wu said China has expressed multiple times there are prerequisites for developing China-US military relations, which involves the US not infringing on China's sovereignty, dignity and core interests.

"In terms of military relations, we welcome communication, prefer cooperation and directly address differences, but we also oppose coercion. We have always acted magnanimously, and matched our words with deeds," Wu said.

"But the US has some serious issues in its perception of itself, China and the world. This is root of the current troubles in China-US military-to-military relations and bilateral ties.

"It is never too late to do the right thing. We hope the US can muster the courage to correct its mistakes, and work with China to improve China-US relations and jointly contribute to the wellbeing of people from both nations and the world," he added.

When asked about the US House of Representatives passing the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 last week, which involves more military collaboration exchanges with Taiwan, Wu slammed it as blatant interference in China's domestic affairs.

The Chinese military resolutely opposes the act, which is deeply rooted in a Cold War mentality and a so-called "Chinese threat", Wu said. "We are aware whenever there is a need to pass a budget or grant, some US politicians bring up China and hype the non-existent 'China threat'. This is irresponsible and dangerous."

Wu said the US is "playing with fire" by enhancing military interaction with Taiwan. "The Taiwan question is a matter of China's domestic affairs and core interest. It cannot allow any foreign interference," he said.

Wu also criticized Japan's Minister of Defense Nobuo Kishi's recent negative rhetoric on China's military development, as well as Japan's attempt to meddle in the Taiwan question.

"Japan's blunt interference in China's domestic affairs brings back memories of its invasion and colonization of Asian countries," Wu said. "China must solemnly inform Japan: China today is not the China of days of yore."

The Chinese people cannot tolerate any transgression on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Wu said. "The People's Liberation Army will not allow anyone to challenge China's bottom line regarding the Taiwan question."

When commenting on Australia, United Kingdom and US forming a new security pact and Australia receiving nuclear submarine technology from its two partners, Wu said these actions would exacerbate a regional arms race and undermine peace and stability in the area.

"China believes any regional mechanism should follow the trend of peace and development, and facilitate mutual trust and cooperation between nations," Wu said. "The US said it wants an open 'Indo-Pacific' region, but what it is actually doing is building an exclusive coterie. This exposes its hypocritical nature."

"Any attempt to contain China is doomed to fail," Wu said.

"We urge the three nations to abandon their Cold War and zero-sum mentalities, revoke their erroneous decision to transfer nuclear submarine technologies, and do more things to promote regional peace, stability and development."