The Chinese army has always been a staunch force in safeguarding world peace. and China has never engaged in aggression or expansion, said Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Friday.
The Senior Colonel made the remarks in response to a speech given by Pete Hegseth after being sworn in as the new U.S. Secretary of Defense, in which he made it clear that the United States would restore the warrior ethos and work with allies and partners to deter "aggressive actions" in the Asia-Pacific by China.
"We firmly oppose the groundless accusation made by the U.S. side. China always pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature and upholds the military strategy of active defense. The Chinese army has always been a staunch force in safeguarding world peace. The Chinese people cherish peace, and we have never engaged in aggression or expansion, but we will never give up our legitimate rights and interests, and we will take firm countermeasures against all threats and challenges," said Zhang.
"What must be emphasized is that major country competition should not be the underlying logic of the times. Instead, a steady, sound and sustained China-US diplomatic and defense relationship will serve the common interests of the two countries and meet the general expectation of the international community. Standing at a new starting point, we hope the U.S. side will work with China on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, to deepen state-to-state and army-to-army exchanges and cooperation, so as to inject more certainty and positive energy into the world," he said.
Chinese army always staunch force in safeguarding world peace: spokesman
