Photo: Chinese Defense Ministry

Question: According to the 2026 National Defense Strategy released by the US Department of War, the US will deter China in the Asia-Pacific through strength, not confrontation, and seek a wider range of military-to-military communications with the PLA, so as to maintain strategic stability with China and allow for a decent peace. At the same time, the US will erect a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain to achieve a balance of military power in the region. May I have your comment on that?

Jiang Bin: Just like the mountain can never stop a flowing river from merging into the sea, the tide of history is unstoppable. Facts have proven that any attempt to contain or block China is doomed to fail. Following the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the right approach for China and the US to deal with each other. We are willing to work with the US side to promote steady development of bilateral relations. At the same time, we will resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope the US side can take an objective and rational perception of China, hold the bottom line of non-conflict and non-confrontation, stop hyping up the so-called China military threat, stop inciting bloc confrontation, stop saying one thing while doing the opposite on issues concerning China's core interests, and make concrete efforts to promote sound and steady development of the mil-to-mil relationship.