China News Service, April 28th. Colonel Tan Kefei, deputy director of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense and spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, said on the 28th that in response to the US military provocation, smearing and planting against China on issues such as Taiwan, sea and air security, and Ukraine for some time, Threats and pressures, we resolutely and forcefully countered, firmly defending national interests and dignity.
We warn the US side not to underestimate China's determination and capability at any time.
On the afternoon of the 28th, the Ministry of National Defense held a regular press conference.
At the meeting, a reporter asked: According to reports, State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe recently had a phone call with U.S. Defense Secretary Austin. This is the first phone call between Chinese and U.S. defense ministers since the Biden administration took office.
Speakers are invited to provide further details and comments.
Tan Kefei responded by saying that on April 20, State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe had a phone call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin, which was a practical measure to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Biden.
The two sides exchanged views on the relationship between the two countries and the two militaries and issues of common concern, which was a frank, in-depth and constructive strategic communication.
During the call, both sides agreed that the two militaries should keep communication channels open, manage risks, and advance the construction of a crisis communication mechanism.
Tan Kefei pointed out that as the two most important powers in the world, cooperation between China and the United States will benefit both, while confrontation will hurt both. No one can defeat the other, and no one can change the other. Both sides have a thousand reasons to improve Sino-US relations. There's not a single reason to break it.
Stable military-to-military relations serve the common interests of the two countries and the common expectation of the international community.
We ask the U.S. side to truly implement President Biden's "four non-no-nonsense" remarks.
Tan Kefei said that what needs to be emphasized is that China has principles in developing the relationship between the two militaries.
In response to the U.S. military provocation, smearing and slandering, and threats and pressures against China on Taiwan, air and sea security, Ukraine and other issues for some time, we have responded resolutely and forcefully, and firmly defended national interests and dignity.
We warn the US side not to underestimate China's determination and capability at any time.
It is hoped that the US side will abandon the Cold War zero-sum mentality, view China's development objectively and rationally, and work with the Chinese side to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance military mutual trust, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, manage risks and crises, and carry out practical cooperation to ensure the normal and stable development of military-to-military relations.