Guest Post: US-China Military Relations

 

The current state of US-China military relations is illustrated in the excerpts below from the Chinese Ministry of Defense's regular press conference on August 27.

Question: Earlier this month, the defense leaders of China and the United States had another telephone conversation after five months to exchange views on a series of issues of common concern. The media noticed that the US Secretary of Defense had previously expressed his hope to visit China this year. Please comment on the current China-US military relationship and brief us on China's considerations on high-level exchanges between the two militaries in the next stage.

Answer: The current China-US relations are facing an extremely severe and complicated situation since the establishment of diplomatic relations. For a period of time, the US has continued to make provocation against China, seriously undermining China's sovereignty and security, and damaging relations between the two countries and their armed forces. China will neither do the same nor allow the US to mess about. China has taken strong measures to firmly defend its national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

“He who does not have a long-term plan is not up to short term jobs. He who does not have the whole picture in mind cannot design a part.” We hope that the US will sincerely take a strategic vision, viewing China's development with an open and rational mind, and getting out of the quagmire of anxiety. At present, it is important for the Chinese and US militaries to maintain communication. The two sides should work together towards the same goal and step up crisis communication to effectively prevent risks, and promote and maintain the overall stability of the relationship between the two militaries.

Regarding the high-level exchanges between the two militaries, the two defense authorities have maintained communication and coordination. It is hoped that the US will take practical measures to create a positive and favorable atmosphere for its visit.

Question: According to media reports, the US military has recently taken actions frequently in areas surrounding China. The US military aircraft have frequently approached the coast of the Chinese mainland for reconnaissance, and the US warships have carried out targeted military exercises in waters of the South China Sea and the East China Sea. These actions are becoming more and more provocative against China. What's your comment, please?

Answer: Recently, the US has increased its efforts to pressurize and provoke China. The Chinese stance is clear in this regard: we hold objection to these actions but no fear of them. With a coming presidential election, some US politicians have tried their best to damage the relationship between the two countries and militaries for their own interest and even attempted to start accidents or military conflicts.

Such actions put the lives of on-site troops of both sides at risk, not to mention the fundamental interests of the two peoples. It goes against the will of peoples in the world longing for peace and will have no support at all.

China loves peace, but won’t be scared to fight. The Chinese military will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and resolutely safeguard world and regional peace and stability.

The Chinese side urges the US side to see the reality, remain rational, stop provocative behaviors, and make efforts to push the relations between the two countries and the two armed forces back on the right track.

Question: The US and the Taiwan authorities have been interacting frequently this month. The US Secretary of Health and Human Services arrived in Taiwan for certain activities, the USS Mustin (DDG 89) passed through the Taiwan Strait, and US military aircraft increased the frequency of provocative activities in waters around. What's your comment, please?

Answer: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. China resolutely opposes any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist actions and any form of official exchanges and military ties between the US and the Taiwan region. This position is clear.

Recently, the PLA Eastern Theater Command has deployed troops from multiple military services and arms and organized real-combat exercises along the Taiwan Strait, targeting external interference and a small group of "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and their separatist activities. China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Question：Media in Taiwan reported that the US Department of Defense recently announced a 10-year military sales order with a total value of US $62 billion, possibly including a sale deal of 66 F-16V Viper fighter jets to Taiwan. What's your comment?

Answer: China firmly opposes the US arms sale to Taiwan. The arms sale has been a major issue harming the relations between the two countries and militaries, and undermining regional peace and stability.

On this issue, China's position is clear. After the US announced the sale of 66 F-16V Viper fighter jets to Taiwan last year, China immediately stated its firm opposition. If the US insists on executing the new round of arms sales to Taiwan, China will take all necessary measures to resolutely counteract.

Question: According to media reports, the US will give priority to the deployment of medium-range missiles in Japan after the withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF). The US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control, Ambassador Marshall Billingslea recently stated that the US is studying the possibility of deploying medium- and short-range land-based missiles in Asian countries. What's your comment?

Answer: The Ministry of National Defense has previously stated its firm opposition. If the US side insists on going in the wrong direction, China will respond resolutely.