China’s defense ministry rejected the Pentagon’s latest report on China’s military, calling it a misleading attempt to justify increased US defense spending.
The Chinese defense ministry spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, stated that the US Department of Defense report misrepresented China’s defense policies, exaggerated its military capabilities, and interfered in China’s internal affairs. He accused the US of creating false narratives to portray China as a threat.
Zhang described the US as “war-addicted,” claiming it is the greatest threat to global security and international order. He strongly condemned the report, asserting that it merely serves as justification for US military expansion.
“The ‘war-addicted’ United States has become the biggest destroyer of international order and the greatest threat to global security,” Zhang said. Beijing “strongly deplores and firmly opposes” the report’s contents, Zhang added, emphasizing China’s commitment to peaceful development and its fulfillment of international responsibilities.
Zhang further criticized the US for using its military might to pursue unilateral dominance, employing pressure tactics to force regime change and incite unrest, citing the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria as examples of US actions resulting in immense humanitarian crises.
Zhang also criticized US nuclear policies, contrasting them with China’s policy of nuclear self-defense and no-first-use, maintaining a minimum nuclear arsenal for national security. He pointed to the AUKUS submarine agreement as undermining global nuclear non-proliferation efforts and destabilizing the international order. He called for the US to reflect on its actions and be accountable to the international community.
Concerning Taiwan, Zhang warned that any attempt to separate the island from mainland China would be met with firm opposition. He denounced US arms sales to Taiwan as a violation of the one-China principle.
“The Chinese people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he stated.
Despite the strong criticism, Zhang expressed hope for improved future US-China military relations based on equality, respect, and cooperation, with the aim of avoiding conflict and building mutual trust.
“We aim to build a military relationship based on equality and respect, characterized by no conflict or confrontation, open and pragmatic cooperation, and gradually accumulating mutual trust,” he said.