BEIJING, Jan. 17 -- "In the year of 2024, the Chinese military carried forward its fine traditions and made innovative efforts on military diplomacy, and improved the quality and efficiency of international military cooperation," said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, when answering a media inquiry on Friday.

According to the spokesperson, China's military diplomacy in 2024 boasts the following features.

First, shaping a favorable strategic posture. Staying in line with the directions set by head-of-state diplomacy, the Chinese military maintained close substantive military cooperation with the Russian counterpart, progressively restored strategic communication and institutionalized dialogues with the US military, deepened strategic communication with European militaries, and engaged in exchanges with defense authorities and militaries from dozens of other countries.

Second, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and security interests. We lodged diplomatic representations and released information in a timely way to respond to provocations and violations made by certain countries on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue, refuting the wrong words and deeds of relevant parties.

Third, expanding multilateral diplomacy. As the host, the Chinese military successfully held the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum and the West Pacific Naval Symposium. We also took an active part in multilateral events like the Shangri-La Dialogue and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting to make our voice heard on multilateral stages.

Fourth, deepening cooperation on joint training and exercises. The Chinese military participated in multinational joint exercises, including the first participation in Peace Unity-2024 in Africa and Operation Formosa 2024 in Brazil, which contributed to regional peace and stability.

Fifth, fulfilling the responsibilities of a major country. China's Blue Helmets (peacekeepers) stayed on their combat posts in war zones; Channel 16 (of the PLAN escort task forces) remains a code for peace in the Gulf of Aden and waters off the coast of Somalia; the Ark Peace, the PLAN hospital ship, provided medical services to people of 13 countries in Asia and Africa; and humanitarian demining courses were organized for Cambodia and Laos. The Chinese military has been taking concrete actions to deliver hope, warmth and strength.

The spokesperson noted that in the new year, the Chinese military will continue to act on Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in promoting military diplomacy. We will uphold the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and go all out to achieve the centenary goal of the PLA.