SCIO briefing on White Paper on China's Military Strategy
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E-mail China.org.cn, May 26, 2015
Hu Kaihong:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Welcome to today's press conference at the Information Office of the State Council. A new defense white paper entitled China's Military Strategy is released today. To help you better understand the white paper, we are delighted to have several senior colonels here with us to make an introduction about it and answer your questions. They are Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, Senior Colonel Zhang Yuguo from the Operations Department of the PLA General Staff Headquarters and Senior Colonel Wang Jin from the PLA Department of Strategic Planning. First, let's invite Senior Colonel Yang Yujun to make the opening remarks.
Yang Yujun:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Today, we release a new defense white paper entitled "China's Military Strategy." It has been the ninth such paper since the Chinese government issued the first defense white paper in 1998, and the second one dedicated to a special topic. Compared with the previous defense white papers, "China's Military Strategy" is more strategic and foresighted, focusing on an introduction to China's present military strategy and its orientation in the future. With about 9,000 Chinese characters, the white paper has a preface and a main body. The main body comprises of six chapters, which are about the national security situation, missions and strategic tasks of China's armed forces, the strategic guideline of active defense, building and development of China's armed forces, preparation for military struggle, and military and security cooperation.
The main contents of the main body are five-fold:
1. It objectively analyzes China's security situation. The white paper states that the international situation is undergoing "four historic changes." It emphasizes that China will remain in an important period of strategic opportunities for its development, a period in which much can be achieved. Though the external environment is generally favorable, China still faces multiple and complex security threats, as well as increasing external impediments and challenges. Subsistence and development security concerns, as well as traditional and non-traditional security threats, are interwoven. Therefore, China has an arduous task to safeguard its national unification, territorial integrity and development interests.
2. It states the missions and strategic tasks of China's armed forces in the new historical period. On the basis of China's national strategic goal, the Communist Party of China's goal of building a strong military in the new situation, and the holistic view of national security, the white paper lays out the responses to the five military strategic requirements, four missions in the new historical period, and eight strategic tasks. The white paper states that China's armed forces will effectively perform their missions in the new historical period, resolutely uphold the leadership of the CPC and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, safeguard the important period of strategic opportunities for China's development, maintain regional and world peace, and strive to provide a strong guarantee for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The strategic tasks China's armed forces shoulder include the following: to deal with a wide range of emergencies and military threats, and effectively safeguard the sovereignty and security of China's territorial land, air and sea; to safeguard resolutely the unification of the motherland; to safeguard China's security and interests in new domains; to safeguard the security of China's overseas interests; to maintain strategic deterrence and carry out nuclear counterattacks; to participate in regional and international security cooperation and maintain regional and world peace; to strengthen efforts in operations against infiltration, separatism and terrorism so as to maintain China's political security and social stability; and to perform such tasks as emergency rescue and disaster relief, rights and interests protection, guard duties, and support for national economic and social development.
3. It clarifies the main contents of the military strategic guideline of active defense in the new situation. The white paper makes it clear that China's socialist system, fundamental national interests and the objective requirement of taking the path of peaceful development demand that China must unswervingly adhere to the strategic concept of active defense. The white paper stresses that guided by national security and development strategies, and required by the situation and their tasks in the new historical period, China's armed forces will implement the military strategic guideline of active defense in the new situation, lay stress on farsighted planning and management, create a favorable posture, comprehensively manage crises, and resolutely deter and win wars. The white paper points out that in line with the evolving war and national security situation, China will place the emphasis for preparation for military struggle (PMS) on winning informationized local wars. The white paper also introduces basic operational thought, military strategic layout and strategic guiding principles.
4. It gives an introduction to the building and development of China's armed forces and their preparation for military struggle (PMS). The white paper outlines the development strategies of the PLA Army, Navy, Air Force and the Second Artillery Force and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF), the strategies for such critical security domains as the seas and oceans, outer space, cyberspace and the nuclear domain, and the measures of promoting military force building. It emphasizes that China will endeavor to build a modern system of military forces with Chinese characteristics, and constantly enhance their capabilities for addressing various security threats and accomplishing diversified military tasks. The white paper also describes China's preparations for military struggle.
5. It gives account of China's policies for, positions on and pragmatic measures of promoting military and security cooperation. The white paper states that China's armed forces adhere to a security concept featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, actively expand military and security cooperation, and create a security environment favorable to China's peaceful development. It illustrates China's positions on developing all-round military-to-military relations, pushing ahead with pragmatic military cooperation and fulfilling international responsibilities and obligations. It stresses that China's armed forces will do their utmost to shoulder more international responsibilities and obligations, provide more public security goods, and contribute more to maintaining world peace and promoting common development.
Now, my colleagues and I would like to answer your questions.
Hu Kaihong:
Thank you, Senior Colonel Yang Yujun. Now the floor is open. Please identify the media outlet you are representing when raising your questions.
China Central Television:
My question is: There are many sea disputes between China and other countries like Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam that have triggered regional tensions and U.S. intervention in the region. Is the issuing of the defense white paper at this time related to the security situation China is facing? Does China want to convey a message by issuing the white paper?
Yang Yujun:
Let me answer the question. First of all, I would like to make it clear to you that the Chinese government's choice to issue the defense white paper at this time depends on the white paper's drafting schedule and has nothing to do with the current international and regional security situation and the development of current Sino-foreign relations. You might be concerned with the aim and background of the issuing of the white paper. There are mainly three aspects of this. First, we must adapt to the developments of the times. In this era, as world multi-polarization, economic globalization and society informatization become ever more intense, the international community is becoming a community with a common destiny. China's security is closely related to world peace. China's issuing of the military strategy white paper explains Chinese military and security policy to the international community on a strategic level and allows us to express reasonable security concerns and put forward security cooperation initiatives.
Second, the white paper reflects the innovation and development of Chinese military strategy. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese army has deeply implemented an overall national security outlook with a broader horizon, an updated mindset and innovative guidance in its military strategy that meets the party's aim to build a strong army under new circumstances. The military's capacity to fulfill its mission has been improved gradually by ongoing comprehensive development.
Third, the white paper provides a positive response to concerns at home and abroad. We have noticed that there are strong concerns from abroad about trends in the development of the Chinese army, including in its military strategy. Many of these concerns are misunderstandings and misreadings that have resulted from a lack of information. Of course, some of them are also hype that questions China's lack of military transparency and plays up the so-called fallacy of "China's military threat." It is necessary for us to clarify these things so as to point public opinion in the right direction.
In the white paper, the Chinese government expounds the country's military strategy. This helps the domestic and international community learn about China's military security policy more comprehensively and objectively. It also helps those outside the country form more objective and rational expectations about the development trends of the Chinese army. It reflects China's openness and confidence amid big strategic challenges and shows the country's willingness to actively work toward maintaining international and regional common security.
Meanwhile, the issuing of the white paper also has the positive effect of improving military transparency and enhancing mutual understanding and trust between countries.
Wen Wei Po:
This white paper clarifies the main contents of the military strategic guidelines under the new circumstances, including the basic aspects of preparation for military conflict, the basic operational approach, the military strategic layout and strategic guiding principles. These topics are relatively new and sound quite different from the strategic approach of "active defense" that China has always declared in the past. Some people have said China's strategic guideline of active defense is actual a "preemptive" strategy. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Yuguo:
The "preemptive" strategy this reporter has raised is totally different from the strategy of active defense we are pursuing. The strategy of active defense China pursues is based on defense: activeness is the means while defense is the ultimate goal. Indeed, some countries now pursue a "preemptive" strategy, emphasizing preventive intervention and initiation of attacks. That means taking the initiative to launch an attack before a threat has formed, which is completely different from active defense. During the revolutionary war years, the Chinese army created and formed a set of strategic guidelines for active defense that emphasized the combination and organic unification of an active approach to tactics and a defensive strategy. They emphasize the principles of defense, self-defense and gaining mastery by striking only after the enemy has struck. They stress that "We will not attack unless we are attacked; if we are attacked, we will certainly counterattack." Since 1949, China has successively adjusted the military strategic guidelines, but there has been no change to the basic tenet of active defense. The reason why China adheres to these active defense strategic guidelines and approach is determined by the socialist system of our country, determined by fundamental national interests, and determined by the requirement that we must adhere to a path of peaceful development.
At present, China faces multiple and complex national security situations, so we are objectively required to further the innovation and development of military strategy. For example, we must meet new requirements for national security development and meet the new challenge of the world's military revolution by innovating military strategic guidance and operational thought, attaching great importance to the new security realms of space and cyberspace, and effectively safeguard the security of China's overseas interests. Some other big countries have followed the same pattern, too.
Under these new circumstances, the strategic guidelines for active defense puts more emphasis on international security cooperation, providing public security products for the international community, and undertaking international responsibilities and obligations. They fully reflect China's active desire to be committed to maintaining regional stability and world peace. This point has fully demonstrated that our strategic guidelines of active defense have many new connotations, but they are totally different from the "preemptive" strategy.
China Radio International:
We have seen some changes in descriptions of and expressions for the development strategy of the navy in this white paper. It mentions that the PLA Navy will "gradually shift its focus from 'offshore waters defense' to a combination of 'offshore waters defense' and 'open seas protection'" in line with the strategic requirements for offshore waters defense and open seas protection. I would like to ask whether the changes in the navy's strategic development mean China will build up a blue-water navy. My second question is, this year's Shangri-La Dialogue will be held soon, so may I ask you the military spokesmen to tell us about the lineup of Chinese military officers who will attend the summit? Which military officers will attend, and will they discuss the South China Sea issues with relevant countries?
Wang Jin:
Let me answer the first question. China's navy development strategy has changed because time has progressed, and we have to acclimate to the developments of the times. We have three major considerations:
First, from a national strategic perspective, China has established the strategic goal of building the country into a strong power on the ocean, so we need to build a strong navy to efficiently maintain and protect national maritime rights and interests.
Second, from the perspective of the world's new revolution in military development, a very clear trend of demand for long-range precision weapons and equipment has emerged. This enlarges the potential scale of the ocean battlefields. If we only stick with "offshore waters defense," we cannot effectively maintain and protect national maritime security.
Third, from the perspective of the realistic security challenges, China currently faces complicated security threats and challenges at sea, which require a navy that has the capability to accomplish a variety of military tasks including effectively maintaining the sovereignty of territory, as well as protecting overseas security interests.
Yang Yujun:
Let me answer the question about the Shangri-La Dialogue. In the white paper we released today, Chapter VI is "Military and Security Cooperation," which clearly states Chinese military forces will comprehensively develop military-to-military relations with foreign countries. This includes mutual relationships as well as the development and launching of multilateral military dialogues, exchanges and cooperation projects. Multilateral platforms also offer a very important stage for us to develop relationships. As you know, at end of this month, May 29 to 31, the Shangri-La Dialogue will be held in Singapore. Admiral Sun Jianguo, Deputy Chief of the PLA General Staff Department, will lead the delegation attending the summit. Admiral Sun will give a speech during the summit that will explicate China's foreign policies and national defense policies, introduce China's armed forces' international security cooperation and give relevant briefings on providing public security products to the international community. He will propose the enhancement of dialogue and cooperation among armies of various countries and will call for the cooperative maintenance of regional security in the Asia Pacific region.
In addition, during the summit, Admiral Sun will also meet with the defense and military leaders of certain relevant countries and will exchange views and opinions with them regarding their shared regional security situation concerns and military-to-military relationships.
Australia Broadcasting Corporation:
I am from the ABC. On Page 30 of the white paper's English edition, I noticed the following contents: the PLA army will enhance its combat mobility and three-dimensional offense and defense as per the strategic requirements to transform from a regional defensive force to an all-region mobile one; the navy will change from an offshore defensive force to a combination of defensive force and ocean escort force; the air force will transform from a territorial air defense force to a combination of offense and defense.
I think these three aspects could summarize the purpose of publishing the white paper – proving the PLA seeks combat capability in broader regions? Is that the case?
Yang Yujun:
Your question touches upon an issue related to the construction of China's military strength. On this issue, the first thing I want to emphasize is that the publication of China's Military Strategy does not change China's national defense policies. China will always adhere to the path of peaceful development and defensive national defense policies, and China will never seek hegemony or military expansion. This is the Chinese government's solemn and serious commitment to the world and the most basic principle the Chinese military abides by in its development.
The development of a country's military strength and capabilities is determined by the requirements of the missions its forces undertake. The missions and tasks of China's military are very clearly stated in this whitepaper. I advise you to read it carefully when you have time, and the content concerning your question is mainly in the second chapter, "Missions and Strategic Tasks of the PLA."
China News Service:
Since the 1990's, the Chinese government has published several comprehensive white papers on national defense and one on the diversified use of its armed forces. What are the differences between this white paper and the previous ones?
Yang Yujun:
That's quite true. Since 1998, we have published seven comprehensive white papers on national defense; in 2013, we published a featured defense white paper – "The Diversified Application of China's Armed Forces." The previous white papers focused on exhibiting China's defense policies and displaying China's military construction along with its achievements. If you read them, you will find they were more reviews and summaries of this work in the past, although they did contain briefings on the basic principles and requirements of China's defense policies.
The white paper published today focuses more on the strategic development of China's military at present and in the period to come, therefore this white paper is very forward-thinking. There are three specific characteristics of the paper.
First, innovation. This white paper is China's first-ever national defense white paper that systematically dwells on the country's military strategies, and it highlights the latest achievements in China's military strategic theories and practices.
Second, strategy. Revolving around the country's strategic objective, the CPC's demand for a strong military and its comprehensive outlook for national security under new circumstances, the white paper is centered on the conditions of China's security situation, its military's missions and strategic tasks, the strategic guidelines for active defense, the construction and development of military strength, and the preparations for military conflict, among other major strategic issues.
Third, comprehensiveness. Military strategies are governing all. A line in China's "Art of War" reads, "Those have no full picture in mind are unable to seize a region." The content of this white paper covers all aspects concerning the Chinese military's development and its preparations for military conflict. For example, this white paper mentions how to respond to traditional security threats and non-traditional security threats; it mentions the army, navy, air force, the second artillery force, and the armed police force; it mentions security concerning the sea, space, cyberspace, and nuclear weapons. Therefore, I think if you read this white paper, you will understand the path and direction of the development of China's armed forces.
The Christian Science Monitor:
I have two questions. The first question is about China's deployment of a multiple-warhead intercontinental ballistic missile, as it has concerned the international community. So what is behind the Chinese military's decision to make the deployment? Second, some high-ranking Chinese military officers have been arrested for corruption in recent months, so what impact will corruption has on the combat capabilities of China's armed forces?
Yang Yujun:
The first question is related to the specific deployment of the Chinese army. What I can tell you is that the specific deployment of the Chinese army is out of the needs of the current situation and tasks. I need to reiterate that China has always pursued a national defense policy which is defensive in nature and adheres to the military strategy of active defense, and this stance has never changed. As to the second question, it is mainly about the situation of anti-corruption in the Chinese army. We have expressed our principle and position on fighting corruption for a number of times. I can reiterate that we have always carried out strict management of the army in accordance with the law and pushed forward anti-corruption work in the light of the CPC Central Committee's unified plan. In recent years, the Chinese army has investigated some major and serious cases, introduced a series of relevant laws and regulations, and established and improved the mechanism on the coordination and collaboration among supervisory teams, , disciplinary inspection commissions, auditing organs and judiciary bodies, in order to build a system in which officials dare not, cannot and do not want to be corrupt. We will continue to ensure that power is exercised within the cage of regulations, so that we can provide strong support for building powerful armed forces.
China Daily:
The white paper says that China's armed forces will strengthen international security cooperation in areas crucially related to China's overseas interests to ensure the security of such interests. What are the areas crucially related to China's overseas interests? Does China count these areas as its spheres of influence?
Zhang Yuguo:
With the growth of national interests, the security of our overseas interest concerning energy and resources, strategic sea lines of communication, and institutions, personnel and assets abroad has become an increasingly imminent issue. The areas crucially related to China's overseas interests refer to those areas that are objectively and closely related to our overseas interests. The areas are neither exclusive nor antagonistic. China will never seek hegemony or expansion, nor will it crave for any sphere of influence or join any military bloc. China is always committed to international security cooperation. Most remarkably, China has never focused its attention on pursuing self-interests when safeguarding the security of its overseas interests. Instead, it stresses integrating the interests of the Chinese people into the common interests of other peoples. It is committed to providing public security service for the international community and plays an active role in safeguarding world peace and regional stability. For example, in line with the UN resolution, we have carried out escort missions in Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden since 2008. Our PLA navy fleets escort not only Chinese ships, but also ships from international organizations and foreign countries.
CNN:
The release of the white paper is related to China's national security situation. Recently, my colleague flew over the South China Sea in a U.S. patrol plane. They heard clear warnings from the Chinese navy and saw the construction of some islands. They even saw construction of a runway. Top U.S. officials had expressed concern that these activities would affect the safety of passing planes and ships, and the U.S. military had reaffirmed that it wouldn't stop patrolling the high sea and the airspace above because of complaints from the Chinese side. If the United States refuses to stop or back off, what will China do under its current military strategy? Is a war over the South Sea China unavoidable like the Global Times put it? My second question is: as the atmosphere becomes tenser, some U.S. senators suggested stopping military cooperation with China. What influence will the current situation have on the cooperation between the Chinese and U.S. militaries?
Yang Yujun:
Your first question concerns a lot of factors. First, you mentioned our island construction in the South China Sea. You speak Chinese fluently, so you must know things about China very well. Every day, various constructions are built in various places in China. We build houses, roads and bridges and reclaim land all over the country. As far as sovereignty is concerned, the constructions on the Nansha Islands are no different. But of course, in terms of function, a building on the Nansha Islands is different from a house in a private yard or a facility in a military camp. By this, I mean that constructions on these islands must serve the needs of military defense and serve civilian needs. In particular, they will help China fulfill its international responsibilities and obligations, such as marine search and rescue, disaster prevention and reduction, marine science research, meteorological observation, environmental protection, navigation safety and fisheries service. Therefore, the activities will benefit not only China, but also the international community.
You also mentioned the frequent spying activities by U.S. military jets over the Nansha Islands. I can tell you that the Chinese military indeed has responded to the spying activities. The actions we took were in compliance with laws and codes of conduct. Now, I have a question for all of you. As you may know, the U.S. military had conducted close reconnaissance over China for a long time, and we have kept reacting in compliance with laws and codes of conduct when it has been necessary. Why has the issue been a big news story just recently, especially in the past few weeks? Did the territory of the South China Sea shrink suddenly? I'm sure the sea is as large as before, so why has the issue suddenly turned into a hot topic? Actually, there are two reasons. One is that some countries increased the frequency of spying activities, which has made the atmosphere tense. The other reason is that some people deliberately made a fuss of this issue, so as to put the blame on the Chinese military and foster a tense atmosphere. I'm sure this is not new to you, as you must have seen many similar schemes before. Now that the atmosphere has tensed up, I hope you have a clear and objective understanding of what factors contributed to it.
As for the opinion of the Global Times you just mentioned, the Foreign Ministry's spokesperson gave the press a straight answer yesterday.
Your second question is in connection with the first one. They both concern the relationship between the Chinese and U.S. militaries. In answer to this question, I can tell you that currently, the relationship between China and the United States remains good, and the two countries' militaries have agreed to establish a new model of relations. Last year, the national defense departments of the two countries signed an MOU on the Notification of the Major Military Activities Confidence-Building Measures Mechanism and an MOU on Rules of Behavior for the Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters. They will help the two militaries better understand each other's strategic intents, strengthen mutual strategic trust, manage risk and crisis, and prevent miscalculation. Of course, there are disputes and confrontations. We hope that the United States can work with us, that we can respect each other's core interests and major concerns, enhance mutual trust, intensify cooperation, properly address disputes, and effectively manage risks and crises, thus promoting the sound development of the new model of military relations. In particular, I want to make it clear that China has been striving to achieve sound interactions with the United States in the Asia Pacific region, and we hope we can work with other countries in the region to maintain regional peace, safety and stability.
Global Times:
I have two questions. The first one is, the while paper states that the PLA Air Force will implement the strategy of the "integration of air and space, both offensive and defensive" and build up a system of aerospace defense force that meets the requirements of informationized warfare. What does the "integration of air and space" here refer to? Will the PLA Air Force establish a space force? In addition, are there any changes to China's air and space policy and its stance against weaponization of outer space? The second question is, as the white paper entitled "China's Military Strategy" was issued today, what's the strategic concern behind the military review to be held this September? Previous analyses noted that China will flex its muscles and exert some deterrent influence then. Can you tell us something about current preparations for the parade?
Wang Jin:
"Integration of air and space" is no longer a new concept. The major countries, especially some developed countries, have realized this integration process. As a strategic armed force of the PLA, the Air Force occupies a significant position and plays an important role in safeguarding national security and making overall strategic plans. Now and hereafter, the PLA Air Force will implement the strategy of "integration of air and space, both offensive and defensive" and accelerate the transformation of its focus from territorial air defense to both defense and offense. We will not only safeguard air security but will also pay close attention to space development so as to form an aerospace defensive force system that meets the requirements of informationized warfare. The Chinese government consistently upholds the peaceful exploitation of outer space, and we are against the weaponization of and arms race in outer space. This position is firm and stable.
Yang Yujun:
In regard to the military review, we all know that it is part of commemoration activities for the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The parade aims to remember history, honor the memory of martyrs, treasure peace and create a future. It is not targeted toward any country, and it is certainly not a show of muscle before the international community or any country. As for the preparations for the parade, everything is moving forward smoothly and on schedule right now.
Southern Metropolis Daily:
The white paper has raised the importance of the defense of space and cyberspace. It mentions in particular that China should accelerate the construction of its military strength concerning cyberspace. Does this mean that China has plans to establish a space force and cyberspace force?
Wang Jin:
As of your question on building a space force, I gave a clear answer in my response to the previous question. Now I will answer your question on whether we will build a cyberspace force. First, China is the biggest victim of cyberspace hacking; more and more threats and challenges stand in the way of China's security and development. To preserve the country's cyberspace security, we will build a cyberspace force and develop cyberspace defense in accordance with the mission and task under the new circumstances. But I want to reiterate here that China advocates building a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace and is ready to strengthen cooperation with all countries, promote the economic and social development of all countries, and promote international peace and security.
Die Welt:
You mentioned China's overseas interests just now. So I want to ask two questions. First, in the foreseeable future, will China build military bases overseas? Second, will China have more aircraft carriers in the near future?
Zhang Yuguo:
Currently, China does not have any military bases overseas. China upholds and practices a defensive national defense policy. We don't seek hegemony and we don't compete for hegemony. We will not seek military expansion.
Yang Yujun:
Regarding the question about aircraft carriers, as you all know, China's Liaoning aircraft carrier is undergoing relevant tests and military drills according to the plan. As for the question about the next step for developing aircraft carriers, China will consider this matter thoroughly, based on the nation's economy and social development situation, and according to the needs of national defense and army building.
TV Asahi:
In the white paper's first chapter, "National Security Situation," Japan and the United States are mentioned specifically. Is there any significance behind this? What's China's view on Japan's defense policy change?
Yang Yujun:
You are a careful reader. You noticed the parts that elaborate on the U.S. "rebalancing" strategy in the Asia-Pacific region and Japan's change of military and security policies in the white paper. In my opinion, that is a restatement of China's previous stance, a way of expressing our concern about regional security and an objective description of the current situation. We have explained China's stance concerning these issues in different ways through different channels many times before.
As for Japan's military policy change, we have repeated many times that due to historical reasons, Japan's neighboring countries in Asia and other foreign countries are highly concerned about its military policies. We hope that the Japanese government can draw experience from the past, stick to peace and development, and make positive contributions to the peace, safety, stability and development of Asia.
That's all for my answers. Now, I want to take this chance to announce that the official microblog and WeChat accounts of China's National Defense Ministry opened today. The two accounts made a live webcast of this press conference just now. I hope more friends will follow them. The name is "国防部发布." We will strive to offer you more information on China's national defense, and we will do all we can to defend our country. Thank you!
Hu Kaihong:
That's all for today's conference. Thank you all!
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