Zhang Xiaogang, the Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman (File photo)
Beijing, December 24 (RHC)-- The Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson has censured the Pentagon’s recent report on Beijing’s military and security developments, emphasizing that the United States’ addiction to war makes it the biggest threat to global security.
According to Zhang Xiaogang, the 182-page report by the US Department of Defense misrepresented China's defense policies and speculated about the country's military capacity development. Zhang added that the report flagrantly interfered in China’s domestic affairs and “desperately slandered” Beijing in an attempt to exaggerate the purported Chinese threat.
Zhang said the U.S. has for over 20 years been publishing such deceptive and hypocritical reports year after year, only seeking excuses for the development of its own military capacity and misleading public opinion.
China “strongly deplores and firmly opposes” all these statements, the spokesperson said. “The war-addicted United States has become the biggest destroyer of international order and the greatest threat to global security.”
Zhang stressed that China adheres to the path of peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature.
However, he said, the United States is leveraging its military strength to bring about regime change and incite “color revolutions” in other countries, causing extremely serious civilian casualties and material damage, and creating severe humanitarian disasters.
“We urge the U.S. to stop fabricating false narratives, rectify the erroneous perception of China, and push for the healthy, stable development of bilateral and military relations,” he said.
Zhang also criticized the US for its nuclear policies, noting that China reflects unparalleled stability, continuity, and predictability among all nuclear-armed states.
“We adhere to a nuclear strategy of self-defense and a no-first-use policy, ensuring that our nuclear capabilities remain at the minimum level required for national security,” he said.
Pointing to the issue of Chinese Taipei, Zhang warned that Western attempts to separate the island from mainland China will never be tolerated.
“The Chinese people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said, slamming Washington’s arms sales and military aid to Taipei as a violation of the “One-China” principle.
The spokesperson also expressed optimism that the US would adopt a more positive, rational attitude toward China and the development of the Chinese military, and create bonds between the Chinese and US militaries.
“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,” Zhang said.
China has sovereignty over the self-ruled island. Under the “One China” policy, almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty, meaning that they would not establish diplomatic contact with the island’s secessionist government.
The U.S. does not formally recognize Taipei but continues to back its secessionist government, supports its anti-China position, and supplies it with billions of dollars in weapons.
[ SOURCE: PRESS TV and NEWS AGENCIES ]
