Transcript of the regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense in November 2021
November 25, 2021
Publisher: Colonel Wu Qian, Director of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense
On the afternoon of November 25, the Ministry of National Defense held a regular press conference. The Director of the Ministry of National Defense Information Bureau and the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, Colonel Wu Qian, answered questions from reporters.Photo by Li Xiaowei
First of all, I will post two pieces of news.
The first message.
From November 29 to December 1, the PLA Army Engineering University will hold the 2nd Army International Military Education Forum in Nanjing. The theme of this forum is “Future Development Trends, Challenges, and Countermeasures of Army Junior Officer Training.” All parties will conduct discussions and exchanges on three topics: military education and technology development, joint operational capability training, and construction of international cooperation mechanisms. The event adopts the “online and offline combination” approach, inviting representatives of military academies from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan and other countries to participate online. The 12 Chinese Army academies will send personnel to participate in the main venue in Nanjing . The purpose of holding this forum is to comprehensively explore the development direction of military education reform in the post-epidemic era, actively share advanced military education experience, jointly plan an international education cooperation and exchange mechanism, and build a solid bridge for Sino-foreign military education exchanges and cooperation.
The second message.
From December 14th to 15th, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Naval Medical University will hold the “2021 Western Pacific Naval Forum Medical Symposium” in Shanghai via video. The theme of this conference is “Actively respond to the new challenges of maritime medical rescue and join hands to build a community of marine destiny.” All parties will focus on the prevention and control of the new crown pneumonia epidemic under the new situation, maritime disaster medical rescue, naval special medicine and development, marine medicine and biology Discussions and exchanges were carried out in 5 areas including technological frontiers and naval health personnel training. China has invited representatives of the member states and observer states of the Western Pacific Naval Forum to participate in the conference. The Logistics Support Department of the Central Military Commission and related naval units will send personnel to participate in the conference. This seminar aims to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between countries in the field of maritime medical rescue and jointly respond to new security challenges.
Reporter: From November 8th to 11th, the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held in Beijing. The “Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Party’s Major Achievements and Historical Experience in a Century of Struggle” was reviewed and passed, which comprehensively summarized us. Significant achievements made by the party in the past 100 years. The plenary session emphasized that in terms of national defense and army building, the People’s Army has achieved an overall revolutionary remodeling, reorganized its outfits and set off again. The national defense strength and economic strength have been improved simultaneously. The People’s Army has resolutely fulfilled the mission and tasks of the new era, with a tenacious spirit of struggle and practical actions. Safeguarded national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Please further introduce the relevant situation of the whole army in studying and implementing the spirit of the plenary meeting.
Wu Qian:The Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China is at the important moment of the centenary anniversary of the founding of our party. The party and the people have successfully achieved their first centenary goal, built a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way, and are moving towards an all-round socialist modernization. The second centenary goal of a strong nation was held at a major historical juncture. It shoulders the great mission of inheriting the past and carrying forward the future. For the whole party and the army, we will learn from history, create the future, work hard and move forward courageously, and achieve the second centenary goal. , Realizing the Chinese dream of a strong military is of great and far-reaching significance. The plenary session listened to and discussed the work report of General Secretary Xi Jinping entrusted by the Political Bureau of the Central Committee. It fully affirmed the work of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee since the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The “Resolution Based on Experience” comprehensively summarizes the major achievements of our party in the past 100 years, and further encourages the entire party, the entire army, and the people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, and are on the new road to rushing for the exam. Create a historic cause.
In accordance with the deployment requirements of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, the whole army emphasized the study and implementation of the spirit of Chairman Xi’s important speech in accordance with the plenary meeting communiqué, plenary meeting documents, and plenary meeting guidance materials, and a rapid upsurge of studying, propagating and implementing the spirit of the plenary meeting. The army-wide study and implementation of the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China will focus on preaching in the Central Military Commission and will circulate in all major units of the army. Leading cadres and theoretical workers at all levels have also strengthened theories facing grassroots officers and soldiers. Service, guide the broad masses of officers and soldiers to further enhance the “four consciousnesses”, strengthen the “four confidences”, achieve “two safeguards”, implement the military committee chairman responsibility system, and resolutely obey the commands of the Party Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, and Chairman Xi. The main media of the military set up special columns to show the vivid scenes of the military at all levels using various forms to study the spirit of the plenary session, reflecting the actual actions of various units to implement the spirit of the plenary session. With the focus on the study of the spirit of the plenary session, all troops deepen and expand the study and education of party history, incorporate the spirit of the plenary session into the party committee theory study center group study, the ideological and political education of the army and the political theory teaching of academies, and further unify thinking, unified will, unified action, and step forward. The spirit of marching towards a new journey and forging ahead into a new era.
Studying and implementing the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Party is a major political task at present and in the future. The officers and soldiers of the entire army adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army, thoroughly implement the military strategy of the new era, resolutely unify thinking and actions into the spirit of the plenary session, and unite more closely with Comrade Xi Jinping. Around the Party Central Committee, which is the core, vigorously promote the great party-building spirit, accelerate the modernization of national defense and the armed forces, and defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests with stronger capabilities and more reliable means, in order to achieve the party’s goal of strengthening the military in the new era. The People’s Army has built a world-class army in an all-round way, and has made unremitting efforts to achieve the second centenary goal and realize the dream of a strong military in China, and to welcome the party’s 20th National Congress with outstanding achievements.
Reporter: On November 16, President Xi Jinping and US President Biden held a video meeting to exchange in-depth views on China-US relations and issues of mutual concern and reached important consensus. President Xi pointed out that China and the United States have broad common interests in many fields, including the two militaries, and they should exchange their needs and learn from each other to make the “cake” of Sino-US cooperation bigger. Against this background, what are China’s expectations for the development of Sino-US military relations?
Wu Qian:On November 16, President Xi Jinping held a video meeting with US President Biden. This is a major event in Sino-U.S. relations and international relations. It is the two heads of state once again piloting the Sino-U.S. relationship at a critical moment, pointing out the direction and injecting new impetus into the future development of the relations between the two countries and the two militaries.
The Sino-US military relations are an important part of the relations between the two countries. Maintaining the healthy and stable development of the relations between the two militaries conforms to the common interests of the two countries and the common expectation of the international community. China attaches great importance to the development of relations between the two militaries and is willing to maintain exchanges and cooperation with the United States. However, for a period of time, the US has said a lot of irresponsible things and done a lot of provocative things in the areas of Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the arrival of warships and planes. We have said many times that China has principles for the development of relations between the two militaries, that is, China’s sovereignty, dignity, and core interests cannot be violated. Especially on the Taiwan issue, China has no room for compromise, and the US should not have any illusions.
President Xi profoundly pointed out that the most important thing in international relations in the next 50 years is that China and the United States must find the right way to get along. The Chinese military is willing to work together with the United States to implement the spirit of the meeting between the two heads of state with practical actions, adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, take a long-term view, be based on the present, strengthen communication, manage differences, develop cooperation, and promote China and the United States. Military relations are moving forward in a healthy and stable manner, benefiting the peoples of China and the United States and the people of all countries in the world.
On the afternoon of November 25, the Ministry of National Defense held a regular press conference. The Director of the Ministry of National Defense Information Bureau and the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, Colonel Wu Qian, answered questions from reporters.Photo by Li Xiaowei
Reporter: President Xi made important instructions during the military equipment work conference, pointing out that during the “13th Five-Year Plan” period, our military’s weapons and equipment construction has achieved leapfrog development and made historic achievements, which has provided a solid foundation for enhancing the country’s strategic capabilities, especially military strength. Material and technical support; Emphasize the need to step up the establishment of a modern management system for weapons and equipment, comprehensively create a new situation in the construction of weapons and equipment, and make positive contributions to the realization of the goal of the century-old military. Please brief us on the achievements and main features of our military’s weapons and equipment construction in recent years.
Wu Qian:During the “Thirteenth Five-Year Plan” period, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, and Chairman Xi, our military’s weaponry and equipment construction has achieved leapfrog development and made historic achievements.In the overall form of equipment construction, Eliminate first-generation equipment, reduce second-generation equipment, and install batches of more than third-generation equipment, and basically build an equipment system with third-generation as the main body and fourth-generation as the backbone. The number of traditional ground operations and near-shore defense equipment has been moderately reduced, and the development of new equipment such as far-sea defense and long-range strikes has accelerated.On the joint combat equipment system, The proportion of heavy, medium, and light equipment on the land has been optimized, and the construction has been promoted as a whole. The marine aircraft carrier formation and amphibious formation equipment have been developed in series. The equipment system for air-to-air combat, electronic countermeasures, transportation and delivery has been continuously improved, and the medium- and long-range precision strike capability Continuously strengthening, basic information network covering the country.In the development of backbone equipment construction, Type 15 new light tanks, long-range box rocket launchers, Z-20 helicopters are installed in the army, the first domestically-made aircraft carrier, 075 amphibious assault ship, 0.55 million tons of destroyers are launched into service, the J-20 aircraft, the J-16 aircraft, and the J- 10C aircraft generations are matched to form actual combat capabilities, and batches of Dongfeng-17 missiles and Dongfeng-26 missiles are equipped.In the equipment construction management system, Actively promote the construction of a modern equipment management system, improve the equipment construction management mechanism and work model that are compatible with the new system, and build an equipment development pattern combining independent innovation, independent controllability, independent research and development, and open communication. The maintenance and support system of the army has been further improved, the support capability has been continuously improved, and the overall benefits of the development and construction of the military’s equipment and the use of support have been effectively improved.
The whole army will thoroughly implement Chairman Xi’s important instructions and decision-making deployment, grasp the historical position of weaponry and equipment construction in the new era, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern for weaponry and equipment construction, go all out to accelerate the modernization of weaponry and equipment, and promote the construction of our army’s weaponry and equipment from a new starting point. Take another big step.
Type 15 light tank
Shandong Ship
J-20 aircraft
J-16 aircraft
Dongfeng-17 missile
Reporter: On November 23, State Councilor and Minister of Defense Wei Fenghe had a video call with Russian Defense Minister Shoigu. How do you evaluate the current Sino-Russian military relations?
Wu Qian:In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia in the new era has continued to move forward. The two militaries have increasingly deepened exchanges and cooperation in various fields, strategic communication has reached a new level, and practical cooperation has achieved new breakthroughs. New progress has been made in the construction of the mechanism, which has continuously enriched the strategic connotation of the relations between the two countries.
One is close strategic communication.Since the beginning of this year, the leaders of the two armed forces have continued to maintain close strategic communication. State Councilor and Minister of Defense Wei Fenghe participated in the 9th Moscow International Security Conference with a video of his speech, and met with Russian Defense Minister Shoigu in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and Ningxia, China. Member of the Central Military Commission and Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff of the Military Commission Li Zuocheng went to Russia to observe the “Peace Mission-2021” SCO member states’ joint counter-terrorism military exercise and held talks with the Chief of Staff of the Russian Army. On November 23, Minister Wei Fenghe and Minister Shoigu held a video call to summarize the annual cooperation situation and exchange views on the next step of cooperation. Leaders of the navy and air force of both sides participated. In addition, the leaders of the two militaries exchanged views in a timely manner on important issues of cooperation between the two militaries through letters.The second is in-depth practical cooperation in the field of exercises and training.Since the beginning of this year, the two militaries have successfully organized a series of joint training activities in the context of the normalization of epidemic prevention and control. The Russian military came to China for the first time to participate in China’s “Western Joint-2021” exercise. The two sides jointly held the “Sea Joint-2021″ exercise and the first joint maritime cruise, organized the implementation of the third joint air strategic cruise, and jointly participated in the SCO’s “Peace Mission” -2021” joint counter-terrorism military exercise, continue to deepen the relevant cooperation within the framework of the “International Military Games -2021”, and further enhance the joint operations capabilities of the two militaries.The third is the continuous improvement of the military cooperation mechanism.Since the beginning of the year, the two sides have continued to promote the establishment of military cooperation mechanisms and formulate cooperation development plans. The two militaries have further strengthened coordination and cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other multilateral frameworks.
The Sino-Russian military relationship is not the best, only better; there is no end to Sino-Russian military cooperation, only marches. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, which is of special significance to China and Russia. The Chinese military is willing to work with Russia to intensify strategic coordination, deepen exchanges and cooperation, bring more benefits to the two countries and their peoples, and play a greater role in maintaining world peace and stability.
Reporter: Recently, the TV series “Peace Boat” has been aired on CCTV and received wide acclaim. The play is adapted from the advanced deeds of the Navy’s “Peace Ark” hospital ship in performing international humanitarian medical services and rescue missions. Please further introduce the main situation and vivid stories of the “Peace Ark” hospital ship carrying out medical rescue missions in recent years.
Wu Qian:You mentioned that I just watched this TV series, and I feel that it is a real and infectious work. Since the Navy’s “Peace Ark” hospital ship entered the list, it has bravely rushed into the oceans to temper its medical support capabilities in the oceans, and has gone overseas to carry out humanitarian medical services. It has gone abroad 9 times, sailed more than 240,000 nautical miles, and served 43 countries and regions. More than 230,000 person-times, won high praise at home and abroad, hailed as “the ambassador of friendship who guards peace for thousands of miles.”
The first is to highlight the Chinese concept.“Peace Ark” Huairen set sail and sailed to the world. It is a testimony of the Chinese Navy’s provision of public safety products to the world, and it is also a vivid epitome of China’s unswerving pursuit of peaceful development. Peaceful development is not only China’s development mode and road choice, but also the common aspiration of people all over the world.
The second is to carry Chinese morality.On the channel of spreading great love, the hospital ship “Peace Ark” always lifted the “life first” above its head, vigorously promoted the Red Cross spirit of “humanity, fraternity, and dedication”, and painted a “heart-shaped” voyage on the world map. Traces have become the “boat of life” in the hearts of the people of the world.
The third is to spread Chinese goodwill.Those with ambitions do not take mountains and seas as far away. “Peace Ark” actively carried out international humanitarian joint disaster relief exercises with foreign military forces during the implementation of the “harmonious mission” mission, carried out multi-country joint visits with foreign medical institutions, and held medical and nursing lectures for medical staff in visiting countries, through multiple channels Deepening medical exchanges and cooperation at multiple levels reflects that countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are equal members of the international community.
The fourth is to convey the charm of China.On the deep blue voyage, the hospital ship “Peace Ark” erected a rainbow bridge of cultural exchanges, showing the world a true, three-dimensional and comprehensive China. Since its admission, the “Peace Ark” hospital ship has received more than 30,000 foreign military and civilian visits, and more than 230 visits and receptions to heads of state and military and political leaders. In the 43 countries visited by the hospital ship, the local people expressed their gratitude in different ways. In Kenya, when the “Peace Ark” departed, a motorcycle team with a five-star red flag appeared on the pier. It was a full kilometer long and was chasing in the direction of the hospital ship and was reluctant to leave for a long time.
President Xi pointed out that the blue planet on which we humans live is not divided into isolated islands by the ocean, but is linked by the ocean to form a community of shared destiny, and the people of all countries live in safety and security. The Chinese Navy is willing to work together with the maritime forces of various countries to make new and greater contributions to the construction of a maritime community with a shared future.
Reporter: The Chinese and Russian air forces have recently carried out a joint strategic air cruise, which has improved their joint operations capabilities, and has received widespread public attention. Please further introduce the Chinese Air Force’s performance of its missions in recent years.
Wu Qian:The Air Force is a strategic service. In the process of training and preparation and strategic transformation in recent years, the officers and soldiers of the Air Force have great ambitions, fought thousands of miles in the sky, promoted new achievements in air force construction, and provided strong support for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
In recent years, a large number of new domestically produced main combat equipment, such as the J-20, Yun-20, Air Police-500, Red-9B, the new electronic warfare aircraft J-16D, and the high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft Non-Reconnaissance-7, have successively joined the People’s Air Force. Combat sequence, put into actual combat training, and form combat effectiveness. At the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Expo held not long ago, multiple types of advanced equipment were unveiled, demonstrating the new achievements of the Chinese Air Force in advancing the strategic transformation, and the new atmosphere of the People’s Air Force in the new era that has historically stepped into the strategic air force threshold.
The eagle strikes the long hollow to the party, and the blue sky protects the peace. Standing at a new historical starting point, the People’s Air Force will keep in mind its original mission, carry forward its glorious tradition, be brave to innovate and surpass, and fly hard on the new journey to a world-class air force, and strive to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and safeguard regional and regional cooperation. Make new and greater contributions to world peace.
Reporter: According to reports, the Secretary of the Navy recently stated that China is the primary “threat” the United States must pay attention to, and that the United States should step up the expansion of naval warships in response to China’s expansion. In addition, the US media has also hyped China’s construction of missile targets that are suspected to be US ships. what opinions do the Chinese have on this issue?
Wu Qian:People who are addicted to and chasing hegemony always feel that others are coveting their hegemony. For a long time, some people in the United States have been immersed in “persecution delusions” and cannot extricate themselves, insisting on fabricating a non-existent “Chinese military threat”. Their purpose is nothing more than to find excuses for themselves to seek absolute superiority in the military field and maintain global hegemony. Exploring the cause of the disease is that there has been a serious deviation in the perception of China and the wrong policy towards China has been adopted. In this regard, the Chinese army has always firmly opposed it. Regarding the so-called missile target issue, we ask the US to seriously reflect on itself before blaming China.
On the afternoon of November 25, the Ministry of National Defense held a regular press conference. The Director of the Ministry of National Defense Information Bureau and the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, Colonel Wu Qian, answered questions from reporters.Photo by Li Xiaowei
Reporter: According to reports, the General Office of the Central Military Commission recently issued the “Interim Regulations on the Guarantee of Medical Treatment for Soldiers and Related Personnel in the Army”, focusing on regulating the scope of medical guarantees, standard conditions, and guarantee methods, which triggered heated discussions from all walks of life. 》What are the highlights?
Wu Qian:With the approval of Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, the General Office of the Central Military Commission issued the “Interim Provisions on the Guarantee of Medical Treatment for Soldiers and Military-Related Personnel”, which will come into effect on January 1, 2022. The “Regulations” adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army, keep an eye on the urgent needs of reforms, prepare for war, and officers and soldiers eagerly, insist on the supremacy of officers and soldiers in the protection objects, and do their best to maintain the health of military families. Rights and interests; adhere to complementary advantages in organization and implementation, establish a comprehensive, convenient and high-quality military medical security path; adhere to active and stable policy design, combine the actual military medical security capabilities, and scientifically design the medical treatment security system; adhere to the system balance in the level of treatment , Coordinate the design of medical treatment treatment for different types of guarantee objects, effectively enhance the sense of honor of military personnel, and fully reflect the professional respect of military personnel.
The “Regulations” have 8 chapters and 43 articles, and the main contents are as follows:One is to improve the level of medical security for grassroots officers and soldiers and their families.It is clarified that soldiers stationed on plateaus, islands and other units far away from military medical institutions, their spouses and children under 18 years old who live with them, can go to the public medical institutions in their vicinity for medical treatment.The second is to improve the quality of inclusive medical security for officers and soldiers.Improve the barrier-free medical security mechanism in the military, fully implement the “all-in-one card” for outpatient and emergency medical treatment in all military hospitals and dispatched outpatient medical institutions, and optimize the inpatient referral path; improve the level of protection of medicines and medical consumables, and the scope of medicines shall be unified in accordance with the medical insurance policy of the resident provincial staff Standard implementation, medical consumables are provided free of charge within the prescribed limit; improve the cross-military medical treatment mechanism, and clarify that due to acute injuries, illnesses, illnesses, difficult and critical diseases, etc., you can go to a local public medical institution that has the ability to treat you for medical treatment. .The third is to expand the scope of military medical protection for the families of officers and soldiers.Realize free or preferential treatment for family members of officers and soldiers in military medical institutions. Children under the age of 18 and military spouses holding military security cards are directly reduced free of charge; military spouses and martyrs holding social security cards, and parents of soldiers who sacrificed on duty will be settled and deducted by medical insurance The remaining medical expenses will be waived after the fully self-financed part; the parents and spouse parents of military officers and sergeants will receive discounts for outpatient and emergency treatment and hospitalization after the medical insurance has settled and the fully self-financed part is deducted.The fourth is to standardize the military medical security work system.In accordance with the principle of intensive and high-efficiency, clarify the scope of medical treatment items, medicines, and medical consumables that the military should guarantee, establish assessment and incentive and accountability mechanisms, and further clarify the responsibilities and obligations of units and individuals.
The officers and soldiers of the entire army must always keep in mind the care and love of Chairman Xi and the Central Military Commission, never forget the original aspiration, keep in mind the mission, and comprehensively improve the ability to perform missions and tasks, and enter a new journey and a new era of meritorious service.
(Drawing: Wang Feng)
Reporter: According to reports, the US military has taken accountability actions for the “Connecticut” nuclear submarine collision accident and removed the submarine’s captain and deputy captain from their duties. Does the spokesperson have any comments?
Wu Qian:Since the incident, the U.S. side’s eagerness to speak but concealed attitudes cannot but arouse doubts in the hearts of the international community. Regarding this incident, three issues must be clarified. First, what is the intention of the US submarine’s navigation; second, where is the specific location of the incident? Third, did it cause nuclear leakage and marine environmental pollution?
China believes that the root cause of the accident lies in the large-scale, high-frequency approach and reconnaissance, interference, provocation, and display of strength by US warships in the Asia-Pacific region, and the militarization of the South China Sea and navigational hegemony by the US. We ask the US to stop such activities immediately, not to hit the southern wall and not look back.
Reporter: According to reports, the Chinese army has sent teams of military medical experts to Sierra Leone many times in recent years to make positive contributions to the development of Serbia’s public health system and play an important role in helping Serbia fight the new crown pneumonia epidemic. Swali, Minister of the Joint Ministry of Health of the Serbian Army, said not long ago that he is willing to continue to promote cooperation in the medical and health field between the Serbian and Chinese armed forces. Please further introduce the situation of China-Serbia military medical exchanges.
Wu Qian:The Sino-Serbian military relations have been friendly for a long time and have carried out fruitful cooperation in the field of military medicine. In order to actively implement the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind advocated by President Xi Jinping, after the Ebola outbreak in Serbia in 2014, the Chinese army sent a team of experts to assist the Serbian people and army in successfully defeating the epidemic; since 2016, they have successively sent to Serbia Five batches of military medical expert groups totaling 60 people have carried out the assistance work for the prevention and control of infectious diseases; in 2018, a tropical infectious disease prevention and control center was established for the Serbian army. Since the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia in 2020, the Chinese army has taken the lead and sent military aircraft to deliver anti-epidemic materials and new crown virus vaccines to the Serbian army. The China-assisted military medical expert team working at the center and the Serbian military medical personnel stood by their posts and fought the epidemic side by side. The test confirmed the first case of the new crown patient in Serbia. So far, more than 300 severely ill patients have been cured, in order to support the Serbian people and the army to fight against the epidemic. The epidemic plays an important role.
Here, I want to share a little story with you. Last year, a young Sierra Leone boy named Conte was unfortunately infected with new coronary pneumonia. In order to treat Xiaokangte, the experts of our military medical team immediately discussed and studied the optimal treatment plan to overcome difficulties to ensure the rehydration channel and oxygen supply. The head nurse had close contact with the patient’s mouth and nose and provided psychological counseling regardless of his own safety. After 48 days of meticulous care, Xiaokangte finally turned from danger to peace. When he was discharged from the hospital, he solemnly handed the five-star red flag painted by himself to the head nurse, and said in a few Chinese vocabulary that he had just learned, “Thank you, thank you China!” Xiaokangte’s story is a microcosm of the Chinese military’s international cooperation in the fight against the epidemic.
President Xi pointed out that China and Serbia are good friends sharing weal and woe. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Serbia. The Chinese military is willing to work with the Serbian military to weather the wind and rain together and to the future together to make new and greater contributions to building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.
In July 2020, Abubakarr Conteh personally painted the Chinese flag after recovering.Zheng Junjie Photo
In July 2020, the head nurse Chu Fang and Abubakarr Conteh (Abubakarr Conteh) of the military medical expert team in Sierra Leone took a group photo.Zheng Junjie Photo
Reporter: For some time, public opinion on both sides of the strait has been very hot. We have noticed that the so-called text messages of the so-called “call to respond to the war” of veterans circulated on individual online platforms, and the military’s authoritative media dispelled the rumors. Does the spokesperson have any comment on this?
Wu Qian:We noticed that after the above-mentioned rumors appeared, relevant military media immediately dispelled the rumors. Here, I would like to emphasize two points: First, the rumors stop at the wise. I hope that everyone will not believe or spread rumors and learn about military information through regular channels; second, “soldiers, important affairs of the country”, the Internet is not illegal. It is extremely irresponsible and illegal to concoct such military-related rumors on certain online platforms to “snap up heat,” “blind connection,” and “random interpretation.”
On the afternoon of November 25, the Ministry of National Defense held a regular press conference. The Director of the Ministry of National Defense Information Bureau and the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, Colonel Wu Qian, answered questions from reporters.Photo by Li Xiaowei
Reporter: India’s Chief of Staff of Defense Rawat recently stated that India’s biggest security threat is China. India and China lack “trust” and “suspicions” are increasing in resolving border disputes. what opinions do the Chinese have on this issue?
Wu Qian:The unprovoked hype of the so-called “Chinese military threat” by Indian officials seriously violates the strategic guidelines of the leaders of the two countries on the “not a threat to each other”. It is irresponsible and dangerous to instigate geopolitical confrontation. We express this Resolutely opposed and made solemn representations to the Indian side.
China’s position on the China-India boundary issue is clear and clear. The Chinese border guards are determined to maintain national sovereignty and security. At the same time, they are committed to maintaining peace and tranquility in the border area and make great efforts to promote the easing of the situation.
There is an old Chinese saying: If you use copper as a mirror, you can dress up; if you use history as a mirror, you can know the rise and fall; if you use people as a mirror, you can understand gains and losses. As a neighboring country, we hope that India and China will meet each other halfway, jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border area, and jointly maintain the healthy development of bilateral relations.
Reporter: According to reports, Taiwan’s defense department recently issued an annual “National Defense Report” to exaggerate the mainland’s military preparations for Taiwan, claiming that it will build a “solid and tough” defense force in order to achieve its fixed goal. The head of Taiwan’s defense department also clamored for the ability to contend with the mainland and encourage Taiwan military officers and soldiers to fight to the end. Does the spokesperson have any comments?
Wu Qian:Taiwan is a part of China, where did the “National Defense Report” come from! For a period of time, the DPP authorities have sought political self-interest to incite cross-strait confrontations, wantonly link up with external forces, and stubbornly pursue “independence” provocations. These perverse acts have severely damaged the well-being of Taiwan compatriots and severely undermined the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait. They will be spurned by the people. And the trial of history.
We are telling the DPP authorities: There is no way out for confrontation, and “using force to seek independence” is a dead end. The reunification of the motherland is unstoppable, and the praying man is overwhelmed as a car. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army is ready to fight at all times and can fight at any time. It will defeat any “Taiwan independence” separatist conspiracy and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reporter: According to media reports, a marine non-governmental organization has received funding from foreign NGOs in recent years. Under the name of “Marine Garbage Monitoring”, it has set up nearly 100 monitoring points in areas near my country’s coastline, of which 22 are close to important military targets and naval vessels. Channels directly threaten our military security. The organization has recently been disposed of by the national security agency in accordance with the law. Do you have any comments on this?
Wu Qian:At present, foreign spy agencies and various hostile forces have intensified their infiltration and stealing activities, posing a serious threat to our national security, including military security.
It must be pointed out that national security is not far away from us, even by our side. Each of us is a line of defense for national security. I hope everyone will strengthen their national security awareness and strictly observe military secrets. Those acts that damage national security and leak military secrets will be severely punished by the law.
Reporter: The New York Times recently disclosed that an airstrike by the US military in Syria in 2019 resulted in the death of many civilians, including women and children. The US Central Command admitted that the airstrike caused casualties, but stated that its actions were reasonable. what opinions do the Chinese have on this issue?
Wu Qian:The fate of Syrians is also fate. This incident once again exposed the US’s arrogance and hypocrisy and double standards on human rights issues. We urge the US to truly respect the lives and human rights of the Syrian people, immediately bring the perpetrators to justice, and provide reasonable compensation to the families of the victims.
According to a report issued by the Chinese Society for Human Rights Studies, since 2017, the United States has launched aerial strikes against Syria on the grounds of “preventing the Syrian government from using chemical weapons.” In recent years, US-led coalition bombings have directly killed more than 3,800 people, half of whom were women and children. The international community has so far not seen the US investigating this, and no one is responsible for it. This is a stain and a shame in the history of international human rights. We demand that the US completely stop its wanton interference in other countries’ internal affairs, earnestly respect and protect human rights, and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
Reporter: Recently, the media reported on the heroic deeds of Li Bo, a soldier in a border brigade of the Army in the Northern War Zone, who saved himself and saved others. The spokesperson is requested to further introduce the relevant situation.
Wu Qian:On November 16, Li Bo, a soldier from a border brigade of the Army of the Northern Theater Command, led two comrades in patrol on the border. One comrade fell into the ice accidentally. Li Bo stepped up to rescue him and tried his best to push his comrades onto the ice. The comrade-in-arms was saved, but Li Bo never came up again. “Don’t be nervous, I’ll save you” is the last sentence he left during his lifetime. A young life is always fixed at 21 years old. After the death of Comrade Li Bo, the Army Party Committee of the Northern War Zone decided to give Li Bo a first-class merit, approve him as a martyr, and pursue him as a member of the Communist Party of China. We express our deep condolences for the sacrifice of our comrades in arms and extend our sincere condolences to their relatives.
A promising nation cannot be without heroes, and a promising country cannot be without pioneers. Yesterday, the citizens of Manzhouli took to the streets spontaneously to see Comrade Li Bo off. A person touches a city. In this cold winter, there are always some heroes that keep us warm, and there is always a spirit that makes us feel heartbroken. The officers and soldiers will follow Comrade Li Bo’s example, strengthen their ideals and convictions, and join the march of strengthening the army, and use our continued struggle as the best consolation to the heroes.