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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.

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