Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on September 16, 2025

On the afternoon of September 16, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military.

Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of September 16, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

Jiang Bin: I have a piece of news to announce at the top.

The Future International Midshipmen Leadership Camp will be held at the PLA Naval Submarine Academy in Qingdao, Shandong, from September 19 to 26. More than 100 midshipmen from naval academies of Singapore, Nigeria, Italy, Venezuela and other countries will join their Chinese counterparts in the event, which features a combination of competitions, exchanges and demonstrations. Grouped in mixed teams, the Chinese and foreign midshipmen will hone their leadership capability through competitive games, joint training, cultural exchanges and other activities.

Journalist: The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum is around the corner. Could you please give us more details?

Jiang Bin: Until today, official delegations from more than 100 countries, regions and international organizations have confirmed attendance to the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, including over 40 ministerial representatives and military chiefs, as well as the Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and the Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This year's forum has a wider and more balanced representation, with a total of 1800-plus participants registered.

Handshakes between service members contribute more to peace than the exchange of firing; the chorus of many builds harmony more than the monologue of a single voice. In the upcoming "Xiangshan Time", under the theme of Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development, the participants will engage in equal-footed dialogues, discuss peace and security issues, explore solutions to conflicts, strengthen bonds of cooperation and communication, and deliver on the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, so as to walk together towards a brighter future.

Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of September 16, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

Journalist: Recently, China dispatched Y-20 transport aircraft to escort the 12th batch of remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs back home from the Republic of Korea. Would you like to share with us your comments?

Jiang Bin: This year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) entering the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. Recently, with the highest reverence, we brought back the remains of 30 CPV martyrs from the Republic of Korea (ROK) and laid them to rest through solemn ceremonies. Since 2014, in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, China and the ROK have successively handed over 12 batches of martyrs' remains.

The heroic souls will return to their homeland, and their noble spirit will remain in the universe. In recent years, China has designated Martyrs' Day, improved laws and regulations related to martyrs, strengthened the protection and management of martyrs' memorial facilities, and introduced new technologies to confirm the identities of martyrs and establish contacts with their families. As a result, the society as a whole has fostered a stronger atmosphere of commemorating, defending, honoring, and emulating heroes. The national spirit forged by martyrs with their lives has turned into a powerful force for building a strong nation and military in the new era. Their beliefs are carried forward by the Chinese people today, and their dreams will shine brightly in the great journey of national rejuvenation.

Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of September 16, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

Journalist: According to reports, the event "Together in Unity and Action: Strengthening the Nation with Me" for youth from Hong Kong and Macao to visit military camps was recently held at the Guangdong Corps of the People's Armed Police (PAP). Could you provide more details about this event?

Jiang Bin: Recently, the Guangdong Corps of the People's Armed Police (PAP), the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region jointly organized the event "Together in Unity and Action: Strengthening the Nation with Me" for youth from Hong Kong and Macao to visit military camps. More than 500 people participated, including 30 "Youth Ambassadors" from Hong Kong and student representatives from Hong Kong and Macao studying in Guangdong.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This military camp open-day event highlights the historical background of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao uniting as one to fight against aggressors and the close blood among their residents. Military training, cultural exchanges and interactive activities were arranged, which helped to strengthen willpower, enhance awareness of national defense, foster a deep sense of patriotism of the participants, and inspire the youths from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to move forward in unity and create the future together.

Journalist: According to reports, aircraft carrier PLANS Fujian recently conducted a sea trial and passed through the Taiwan Strait to operate in the South China Sea. Do you have any comments on this? Does this sea trial indicate that PLANS Fujian will soon be commissioned into service?

Jiang Bin: Recently, China's third aircraft carrier, PLANS Fujian, passed through the Taiwan Strait to conduct trial and training tasks in relevant waters of the South China Sea. This is a routine arrangement in the construction process of carrier. It is consistent with relevant international law and practices, and is not targeted at any specific country or entity.

China adheres to the path of peaceful development and follows a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. We develop our aircraft carrier in accordance with the needs of national security and the requirements of developing equipment and technology. PLANS Fujian, as a crucial asset of a major country, will play its due role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.