On the morning of January 8, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, released information regarding recent military-related issues.
The Ministry of National Defense advises Japan: Don't shoot yourself in the foot.
Reporter: According to Japanese media reports, by the end of 2025, Chinese coast guard vessels have been spotted in the waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands for 356 days, surpassing the 355 days in 2024 and setting a new record. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: The Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islands are inherent Chinese territory. The Chinese Coast Guard's patrols and law enforcement in the relevant waters, safeguarding the sea and protecting the borders, are legitimate and reasonable, providing no opportunity for anyone coveting Chinese territory. There is no need for relevant parties to be alarmed. We urge Japan to exercise caution in its words and actions and refrain from any actions that could escalate the situation; otherwise, it will only shoot itself in the foot.
Ministry of National Defense: Japan's defying international condemnation in advocating for nuclear weapons further exposes its sinister intentions.
Reporter: According to reports, Japanese government officials stated that Japan's consideration of acquiring nuclear weapons is not irresponsible, and that no possibility is being ruled out regarding the procurement of nuclear submarines. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has significantly increased the budget for the "Government Security Capability Enhancement Support" project, planning to provide defense equipment and supplies, including advanced radar, to the militaries of Southeast Asian countries. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: The international community, including Southeast Asian countries, has been continuously criticizing Japan's military and security moves. Instead of reflecting on its actions and restraining itself, Japan has fabricated various pretexts to intensify its military buildup, blatantly exporting weapons of mass destruction, and even brazenly advocating for nuclear weapons. This further exposes the sinister intentions of Japan's right-wing forces to promote "remilitarization" and attempt to revive militarism. All peace-loving countries and peoples should recognize the Japanese government's treacherous schemes, prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism, jointly defend the post-war international order, and resolutely safeguard world and regional peace and stability.
Ministry of National Defense: The Philippines is using fishermen as tools for propaganda and smear campaigns against China.
Reporter: It has been reported that the Chinese Navy recently rescued Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea. A spokesperson for the Philippine Navy falsely claimed that China's public disclosure of this incident deviated from the essence of the rescue and was "political propaganda." What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: Not long ago, Chinese naval vessels, during a routine patrol in waters under Chinese jurisdiction, rescued Filipino fishermen in distress. Many Filipinos subsequently expressed their gratitude and praise for China's righteous act. Some people in the Philippines, however, only think of using their own fishermen as tools for maritime infringement, provocation, and propaganda, pushing them into a fire pit, completely disregarding their livelihoods and safety, and even slandering and accusing China. This is extremely hypocritical and cold-blooded. Facts speak louder than words, and justice resides in the hearts of the people. China has always firmly safeguarded its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is committed to working with countries in the region to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
