China has reiterated that its military development is solely focused on safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as promoting international and regional peace and stability.
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made these remarks on Friday in response to inquiries about Japan's Defense of Japan 2024 white paper. This document includes discussions on tensions in the Taiwan Straits and the China-Russia joint maritime patrol.
According to Zhang, the defense white paper is filled with clichés that mislead the international community and provide pretexts for Japan's military buildup. He emphasized that China deplores and rejects the white paper and has lodged stern representations with Japan.
Zhang affirmed that it is both legitimate and justified for China to conduct maritime and air activities in accordance with international law and relevant domestic laws.
He identified the separatist activities of \"Taiwan independence\" and the complicity and support from external forces as the greatest threats to peace in the Taiwan Straits at present.
The defense cooperation between China and Russia is built on the principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party. Zhang stated that this cooperation is conducive to maintaining international and regional peace and stability, as well as upholding international equity and justice.
\"History has already proven, and will continue to prove, that China has always been a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world,\" Zhang noted.
\"We urge Japan to draw lessons from history, stop slandering China and interfering in China's internal affairs, speak and act with prudence on issues of military security, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions,\" Zhang concluded.
Reference(s):
China's military development aimed for national security, world peace
cgtn.com
