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."

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