China's will to protect its interests unshakable, defense minister says

The Chinese military's will to safeguard the nation's core interests — including issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the South China Sea — is unshakable, China's defense minister said on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe said during the 8th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus video conference on Wednesday that the world is experiencing multiple crises, with factors of instability and uncertainty on the rise.

Therefore, various countries should enhance solidarity and collaboration, uphold fairness and justice, safeguard international order and maintain an open and inclusive attitude in order to facilitate exchanges and mutual learning while jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind, Wei said.

Wei stressed that China will be an adamant contributor to world peace, global development and the international order. The nation's military development can strengthen global efforts to meet those goals, he said.

China attaches great importance to security cooperation with other countries, as well as to understanding and respecting other nations' reasonable concerns, Wei said, adding that its national interests must also be sufficiently respected and protected.

The Chinese military's resolve and determination to safeguard the nation's core interests is steadfast, he said.

The Asian-Pacific region will see both opportunities and challenges in its future. Various parties should uphold a global security view that is common, comprehensive, collaborative and sustainable in nature, Wei said.

Countries should utilize the mechanisms offered by the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus to jointly build a safe environment. China will proactively take part in cooperation under the framework and contribute more to regional peace and stability, Wei said.