China slams ‘war-addicted’ US

The Chinese defense ministry has accused the Pentagon of fabricating false narratives in its latest report on the threat posed by Beijing Read Full Article at RT.com

Dec 22, 2024 - 08:21
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China slams ‘war-addicted’ US

The Pentagon’s recent report is full of desperate slander intended to vilify Beijing and justify its budget, the defense ministry said

China’s defense ministry has accused the Pentagon of fabricating false narratives and twisting reality in order to deceive the public with incorrect perceptions in its latest annual report on Chinese military and security developments.

The US Department of Defense report, issued this week, misinterpreted China’s defense policies, speculated about its military capacity, pried in the country’s domestic affairs, and “desperately slandered” Beijing in order to exaggerate the so-called Chinese threat, according to ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang.

“The ‘war-addicted’ United States has become the biggest destroyer of international order and the greatest threat to global security,” Zhang stated.

Beijing “strongly deplores and firmly opposes” the contents of the 182-page report, Zhang said, claiming that the US was only seeking excuses for the development of its own military capacity. He emphasized that China adheres to a path of peaceful development and national defense policy while fulfilling the international responsibilities expected of a major power.

The US, on the other hand, utilizes its military strength to maintain unilateral hegemony and frequently resorts to extreme pressure in order to forcibly promote “regime changes” and incite “color revolutions,” Zhang said. He cited the examples of illegal wars and military activity in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, that have resulted in severe civilian casualties and immense humanitarian disasters.

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FILE PHOTO. A B-1B strategic bomber.
US adjusting nuclear deterrence strategy – Pentagon

Zhang further criticized the US for its nuclear policies, noting that China’s reflects unparalleled stability, continuity, and predictability among all nuclear-armed states. 

“We adhere to a nuclear strategy of self-defense and a no-first-use policy, ensuring that our nuclear capabilities remain at the minimum level required for national security,” he said, according to the Global Times.

Meanwhile, Washington's nuclear policies, such as its AUKUS submarine cooperation with the UK and Australia, undermine the international nuclear non-proliferation system and significantly disrupt international and regional peace and stability, Zhang noted. He urged the US to engage in serious self-reflection and provide a responsible account to the international community.

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FILE PHOTO. Taiwanese soldiers are deployed to a live-ammunition artillery training featuring M109 American self-propelled howitzers, at a coastal area in Taichung, Taiwan.
Biden approves more military aid for Taiwan

The spokesman also addressed the Taiwan question, warning that attempts to separate the island from mainland China will never be tolerated. 

“The Chinese people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said, slamming Washington’s arms sales and military aid to Taipei as a violation of the one-China principle.

Despite his harsh criticism, Zhang emphasized that military relations form a crucial part of the broader China-US relationship, expressing hope that in the future, Washington will engage more constructively with Beijing.

“We aim to build a military relationship based on equality and respect, characterized by no conflict or confrontation, open and pragmatic cooperation, and gradually accumulating mutual trust,” he said.