You are here: Home > China > Government > SCIO Briefings

SCIO briefing on PLA construction and development

: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, July 24, 2017

Adjust font size:

Speakers:
Senior Colonel Lu Yu, deputy director-general of the Legislative Affairs Office, the General Office of the Central Military Commission (CMC);
Major General Zhou Shangping, deputy director-general of the Operations Bureau, the Joint Staff Department of the CMC;
Senior Colonel Zhang Chengwen, deputy chief of the General Office, the Political Work Department of the CMC;
Senior Colonel Wu Qian, deputy director-general of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense and its current spokesperson

Chairperson:
Hu Kaihong, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office

Date:
July 24, 2017

India Today Group:

Can you share some details on the recent military exercises held by the Western Theater Command in Tibet, and the latest situation in the Doklam area where there is a standoff with India?

Wu Qian:

In mid-June, when the Chinese frontier forces were building roads in the Doklam region, Indian troops crossed into China's territory, and obstructed the Chinese side's normal activities. The Doklam region belongs to China. The Chinese side's activities were within China's sovereignty, and were fully just and lawful. The Indian troops crossed the determined boundary between the two countries. Their activity greatly undermined China's sovereignty and severely breached international law.

China is resolute in safeguarding its territory and sovereignty. No efforts will be spared in this regard. The Chinese troops have taken emergency countermeasures and they will make further deployments as well as undertaking further military drills accordingly.

We urge India to immediately withdraw the troops that crossed the border. Only on this basis can we seek a solution to the incident. Maintaining peace in border areas is key to regional peace and stability. It serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples. Therefore, we demand India to correct mistakes, stop provocative acts, and work with us to maintain peace and stability in border areas.

I would like to remind India to stop counting on luck or to hold onto unrealistic dreams. Since the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army 90 years ago the PLA has never ceased improving its ability to safeguard the country. We are determined to safeguard China's sovereignty and territory, and no one can defeat us.

China Daily:

In recent years, Chinese military forces have engaged in an increasing number of foreign exchange activities in a wider range of areas. Could you tell us the achievements that Chinese military forces have made in this regard?

Wu Qian:

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese military forces have entered a new era in military diplomacy.

Our diplomatic activities have become increasingly active, pragmatic and self-motivated. We have made further progress in maintaining stable relationships with big countries; we have deepened communication with neighboring countries; we have further consolidated relations with developing countries. Through international military exchange and cooperation activities, we have gained a bigger say in the world when participating in global governance. We have also efficiently fulfilled our international responsibilities, and made new contributions to world peace and development.

Fruitful results have been achieved in the past, and the future is even brighter. We will make more endeavors to enhance international military cooperation, and build the Chinese army into a world-class army.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.