On the afternoon of April 9, 2026, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered recent media queries concerning the military. (mod.gov.cn)

(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

Zhang Xiaogang: I have two pieces of news to announce at the top.

Firstly, from April 9 to 10, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense will hold the 4th International Security Cooperation Seminar for Foreign Military Attachés to China at the International College of Defense Studies of the National Defense University. Foreign defense attachés and representatives from some international organizations' resident office in China will attend the event. Officials and experts from civilian and military units will be invited to deliver themed presentations, and discussions will be conducted on the topic of strengthening international military cooperation. A visit to a civilian Internet company will also be organized. The seminar is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, deepening friendship, and promoting substantive cooperation.

Secondly, the 15th China-France Symposium on Security Policies for Senior Military Officers was held in France from March 30 to April 3. Representatives from the two sides exchanged views on topics including defense policies and military development, international and regional security landscape, and military-to-military relations between China and France. The two militaries will bolster strategic communication, enhance mutual trust, deepen substantive cooperation, and work together to contribute to global peace and stability.

Journalist: According to reports, Japan's Minister of Defense announced the deployment of long-range missiles with "enemy base strike capabilities". Some analysts believe this deployment is clearly targeted at China. What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Japan's reckless and dangerously accelerated push for remilitarization is spiraling out of control. This is a complete betrayal of its pacifist Constitution and exclusively defense-oriented principle, laying bare its ambition for military expansion. The proliferation of neo-militarism in Japan has become a real menace. Should an evil tiger be unleashed from its cage, it would inevitably wreak havoc far and wide, and plunge the Japanese people into an abyss of disaster. The international community should stay on high alert against it. It must be underlined that as evil will never outgrow virtue, the Chinese military will always have sufficient capability to counter threats and provocations, make aggressors pay an unbearable price, and defend national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Journalist: The Philippine Navy reportedly claimed that China may be taking advantage of the international attention on the conflict in the Middle East, citing a so-called escalation of harassment activities in the South China Sea as proof. The Philippine National Maritime Council also condemned the Chinese side for so-called dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels and personnel in the South China Sea. Do you have any comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Recently, the Philippine side has intruded into the airspace over and the waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Dao and the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, deliberately charged into the exercise and training zones of the Chinese side, and even closed in on Chinese vessels in a dangerous manner. It has repeatedly committed rights-violation and harassing acts against China, increasing factors of insecurity and instability in the Asia-Pacific region. We urge the Philippine side to stop counting on external forces to stir up troubles at sea, since such a scheme will prove self-defeating and fruitless. The Chinese side remains unwavering in our resolve to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We will continue to take resolute countermeasures against any rights-violation and provocations.

Journalist: Recently, the world's largest cargo drone, CY-8, successfully completed its maiden flight. Some people in Taiwan claimed that it may become the PLA's new "aircraft carrier killer". In addition, the PLA's achievement in unmanned combat system has drawn widespread attention from the island, with many believing it will enhance the PLA's capabilities to deter and strike separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence". Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: Taiwan is China's Taiwan. No one is more committed to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait than we are. We will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan from China by any means. The PLA will develop more diversified means in countering separatist activities and external interference to resolutely smash any separatist illusions for "Taiwan independence", and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Journalist: The first Type 056 frigate provided as a grant by China to Cambodia recently docked at the Ream Naval Base. It is reported that amid heightened regional tensions, countries in the region such as Thailand are closely watching  security situation st sea. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: This is part of an existing cooperation between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries. It is not directed against any third party, nor is it related to the current regional situation.

Journalist: It's reported that the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation provided chip-making tools to the Iranian military, and that a Chinese commercial satellite company released imagery showing US military bases in the Middle East. US officials claimed they are aware of the actions taken by China and Russia to assist Iran, and that they will respond when necessary. Please comment on that.

Zhang Xiaogang: We firmly oppose relevant parties spreading speculative and insinuative disinformation against China. China's position on the Iran issue is open and aboveboard. We uphold an objective and impartial stance, and have made efforts to promote peace talks. We never engage in actions that escalate conflicts. Who is saying one thing but doing another? Who is creating turmoils and conflicts everywhere? The international community has clear answers to these questions.