Defense spokesperson slams US for exploiting Shangri-La Dialog to create dispute

A Chinese defense spokesperson on Sunday slammed the United States for habitually exploiting the Shangri-La Dialog to create dispute, incite confrontation and pursue its own interests.

Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the criticism in a statement expressing strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the negative remarks related to China made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialog in Singapore.

The U.S. defense secretary's remarks were saturated with entrenched hegemonic logic, bullying tactics and Cold War mentality, which grossly violate China's sovereign rights, distort China's policy positions, blatantly disregard the joint efforts of countries in the region to uphold prosperity and stability, and severely deviate from the global aspiration for peace and development, said Zhang.

Zhang said that the actions of the U.S. are evident to the international community.

Driven by selfish interests, the U.S. has initiated tariff and trade wars, imposing exorbitant levies globally. It has formed exclusive groupings and engaged in bloc confrontations, raising deep concerns among various countries. It has strengthened military deployments in the Asia-Pacific region, grossly intervened in the internal affairs of other countries, and incited tensions, Zhang said.

The facts repeatedly prove that the U.S. is going against the tide of the times and stubbornly pursuing its own course, which will only backfire on the U.S. itself, Zhang noted.

Noting that the Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affair, the spokesperson said that the U.S. has no right to make irresponsible remarks and the U.S. should never imagine it could use the Taiwan question as leverage against China. The Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will firmly crush any separatist scheme and any external interference, said the spokesperson.

"Our determination is unwavering, and our capabilities and means are strong and reliable," said Zhang.

The South China Sea is internationally recognized as one of the busiest and safest shipping routes, said Zhang.

He said China will persist in resolving differences through dialog and consultation with relevant countries, uphold territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with the law, and collaborate with countries in the region to build a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

The U.S. is bent on sowing chaos in the South China Sea, ganging up and stirring up trouble, which poses the greatest threat to regional peace and stability, Zhang said.

China has always been a guardian and promoter of peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chinese military will work together with other countries in the region to jointly oppose hegemonism that harms the Asia-Pacific region, to oppose the introduction of geopolitical conflicts into the region, and oppose any country or force causing war or chaos here, said Zhang.

The spokesperson affirmed that China will actively implement the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, working together to maintain long-term peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Defense spokesperson slams US for exploiting Shangri-La Dialog to create dispute

John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), announced on Friday that an independent committee will have nine months to investigate the Wang Fuk Court fire that occurred in late November.

The fire, which erupted on November 26 in Tai Po, has claimed 160 lives as of 16:00 Tuesday, with six people still reported missing, according to authorities.

At a press conference, Lee said the committee will be led by Judge David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, and will also include Legislative Council Finance Committee Chairman Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation Chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen.

"Nine months is a very challenging time indeed, but I want to solve the problem as quickly as possible. So I want to give what I regard as a time frame -- realistic -- provided the independent committee is given sufficient means to maneuver, while ensuring the examination is just. They can streamline procedure and be given more flexibility so that they can finish their work within the nine months. And I also have given them a reserve power. That is, if the independent committee considers, by examining all these complicated issues, there may be one which they think, by exercising the powers that is given to a statutory commissioner of inquiry, will help them complete their work, then I'm very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent commission to seek appointing them as the commission of inquiry," Lee said.

Lee noted that the committee's investigation will focus on the causes and circumstances of the fire, and whether systemic issues exist in large-scale building management and renovation projects.

The committee will also examine whether the current regulations and penalties are sufficient in these two areas and will make relevant recommendations. The investigation reports are expected to be made public.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, David Lok stressed the need for fairness and impartiality in the investigation, saying that he would refrain from commenting on the investigation until the committee completes its work.

"During this period, I hope everyone understands that although this is a committee, I am leading this work in my capacity as a judge. Judges must also adhere to certain professional principles, including being fair and impartial. We need to conduct rational analysis based on facts before making any factual judgments or recommendations; we cannot be emotional. Furthermore, we cannot have a pre-established position. In fact, before every judge hears a case, we should ideally start with a blank slate and cannot have a predetermined stance," said Lok.

"So today, if you ask me for my views on certain matters or how we will conduct the investigation, I’m afraid I won't be able to answer as freely as I could when I was at the Electoral Affairs Commission. But I hope all media friends and residents understand that I do not wish to evade questions; it is simply that some questions at this stage are inappropriate for the committee chair to answer. Therefore, during the investigation, I do not expect to speak with you again until our work is completed," he said.

Investigation into Tai Po fire to conclude within nine months: HKSAR chief executive