SCIO briefing on China's national defense
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E-mail China.org.cn, July 25, 2019
CCTV:
The new white paper is entitled "China's National Defense in the New Era". This differs from the title of previous comprehensive national defense white papers. Why is the document so entitled? Besides that, we take note of the fact that the international situation is undergoing a profound transformation. How does the new white paper describe the international and domestic security situation? Thank you.
Wu Qian:
Please allow me to answer your questions. As stated in the report to the 19th CPC National Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has crossed the threshold into a new era, and we have reached a new starting point in strengthening national defense and the armed forces.
In the new era, China's national defense forces fully implement Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military, and his thinking on military strategy. We are committed to achieving the goal of building a strong military capability in the new era, implement the military strategic guideline for a new era, and continue to strengthen the military in the Chinese way. We have made historic achievements and promoted historic changes in the national defense and army building campaigns. Changes have occurred in the people's army's system, its structure, patterns and appearance.
The first comprehensive white paper on national defense in the new era responds to the trend of the times. It provides a precise summary of the world situation, that of the country and the pertaining to the Chinese military. It provides a comprehensive introduction of the new policies on national defense and army building, as well as the new missions, tasks, strategic deployment and practices related to building a strong military force. It will be helpful for the world and the Chinese people to have a more comprehensive and objective understanding of our national defense and army building efforts in the new era.
Regarding your second question, the international strategic landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. The process of disintegration and re-integration of various international powers is gaining momentum. Emerging markets and developing countries have acquired greater strength. With various powers growing or waning, the global power configuration has become more balanced. Seeking peace, stability and development has become a common pursuit of international society. The forces for peace far outweigh factors causing war. At the same time, however, hegemony, power politics and unilateralism are mounting, and regional conflicts and wars are ongoing, threatening the international security system and order.
The white paper contains four strategic conclusions on the current international and domestic security situation: First, the international strategic landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Second, the security situation of the Asia-Pacific region generally remains stable. Third, the security risks and challenges facing China should not be overlooked. Fourth, international military competition is intensifying.
In the face of such a complex international and domestic situation, China firmly believes that peace, development, cooperation and prosperity for all are irreversible trends of the times. Any attempt to seek hegemony or expansion is doomed to fail. Security and prosperity should be enjoyed by all.
We call for all countries to go beyond outdated concepts such as a clash of civilizations, Cold War and a zero-sum mentality, and uphold such principles as conducting dialogue and consultation, seeking common ground while setting aside differences, and making joint contribution and sharing benefits. We should make joint efforts to tackle global challenges, promote peace and development, build a community with a shared future for mankind, and build an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. Thank you.
