Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense. Photo: Ministry of National Defense

In response to the 2025 Military and Security Developments involving the People's Republic of China recently released by the US Department of Defense, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the US issues such reports year after year, brazenly interfering in China's internal affairs, maliciously distorting China's defense policy, groundlessly speculating about the development of China's military capabilities, and slandering the normal operations of the Chinese armed forces. The entire report is filled with erroneous perceptions of China and geopolitical biases, and it hypes up the so-called "China military threat" to mislead the international community. We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this, Zhang said.

China steadfastly pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, adheres to the military strategy of active defense, and advances the modernization of national defense and the armed forces with high quality. These efforts are entirely aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. China remains a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world, Zhang said.

The Chinese military actively implements the Global Security Initiative, operates strictly in accordance with domestic and international laws, defends its legitimate rights and interests in a reasonable, advantageous, and measured manner, strives to provide international public security goods, and works together with the armed forces of other countries to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, the spokesperson said.

Zhang urged the US side to develop a correct understanding of China, view China's development and the growth of its military objectively, cease fabricating false narratives, stop instigating confrontation, and avoid leading bilateral and military relations astray.

Global Times