On May 14, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Yang Yujun “refuted” the latest US report on China’s military development, condemning it for “hyping the so-called ‘China Threat.’” According to Yang, the report, which is issued annually, repeatedly “made improper comments” about China’s armed forces, military reform and cyber security programs, and “purposefully distorted” China’s “lawful actions” in the East and South China seas.
“China sticks to a defensive national security policy, so the purpose of our military reform is always to protect territorial integrity and maintain peaceful development. However, the US has always turned a suspicious eye on China, labeling our normal military development activities as ‘antiaccess’ and ‘area denial.’ Isn’t this a ‘Cold War’ mentality?” Yang remarked.
Yang further criticized the US for “playing both sides” by deploying warships in the South China Sea while condemning China for doing the same, actions which China believes are “lawful” on its part.
“The US’s professed ‘freedom of navigation’ operations... Are actually ‘hegemony’ and ‘militarization,’” he said.
Yang demanded the US desist from any further actions that will damage the Sino-US relationship and undercut mutual trust. He added that his ministry will further study the US’s report and may issue a more complete response in the future.
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