Transcript of the regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense in December 2025 – Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China

Breaking: Chinese Defense Ministry outlines sweeping military diplomacy, taiwan stance, and security initiatives at December 25 briefing

Beijing, December 25, 2025 – In a mid-afternoon briefing at the International Military Cooperation Office, a senior spokesperson laid out a comprehensive review of China’s defense diplomacy, training reforms, and responses to regional security challenges. The session ran from 15:00 to 16:36 and featured a rapid-fire exchange with reporters on multiple fronts, including Taiwan, Japan, the United States, and space security.

Diplomacy in Focus: Multilateral Engagements and Strategic communications

The spokesperson emphasized a year marked by intensified military diplomacy, aligning with high-level state goals. Key highlights included expanded ties with Russia, the United States, and europe through both virtual and in-person meetings among defense ministers and senior officials. China also conducted ministerial dialogues with France and India, and hosted bilateral talks with the United Kingdom. The framework for a new China-India “2+2” format between foreign and defense ministers was cited as a notable development capable of deepening strategic understanding.

On the multilateral front, Beijing highlighted the opening of several high-profile forums and conferences, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Defense Ministers Meeting, the China-Latin America and Caribbean High-Level Defense Forum, and the first Young Leaders Conference of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum. The Beijing Xiangshan Forum’s continued influence, along with UN peacekeeping discussions, was framed as evidence of china’s growing voice in global security discourse.

In practical terms, the ministry pointed to dozens of joint exercises with partners around the world-ranging from maritime and air operations with Russia to joint drills with Malaysia, Egypt, and Serbia-aimed at boosting joint responses to shared security challenges. The ministry also noted expanded use of public communications to counter opposing narratives and to advocate for China’s security interests, including new social media channels to reach overseas audiences.

Taiwan: Reaffirming Sovereignty and Deterrence

Reporter inquiries centered on Taiwan, including air and naval operations around the island and the status of cross-strait diplomacy. The spokesperson underscored that Taiwan remains an inalienable part of China and stressed the legitimacy of regular PLA training and deterrence in defending sovereignty. The official warned against external interference and warned that any attempts to challenge China’s red line would be met with decisive measures. Reports about high-level U.S.arms plans for Taiwan were criticized as attempting to disrupt peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, with a call for adherence to the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués.

When pressed about broader U.S. defense spending and legislative moves affecting Taiwan, the spokesperson contended that such actions risk provoking tension and undermining regional stability, urging Washington to reconsider and to honor its commitments to peaceful cross-strait relations.

Security posture: Space, Maritime, and Regional Developments

The briefing touched on Japan’s growing security role and its expanding defense budget, asserting that China views Tokyo’s military modernization with concern.The spokesperson accused Japan of reviving militarism and stressed the need for adherence to post-World War II commitments, warning of potential consequences if Japan continues ramping up weapons development and space capabilities.

In space and maritime domains, the discussion flagged concerns about potential space and cyber threats, urging responsible behavior and warning against actions that could escalate an arms race in space. at the same time,China reaffirmed its position on freedom of navigation and the lawful use of sea routes,while noting that external forces often attempt to complicate regional security dynamics.

Harmony Mission and Silk Road Ark: humanitarian and Medical Engagements

The “Harmony Mission-2025” has seen the Chinese Navy hospital ship Silk Road Ark visit multiple nations, delivering medical services to thousands.Since September, the ship has provided diagnoses, surgeries, and ancillary services to tens of thousands, including a notable case in Nauru where an elderly patient regained sight after treatment. The mission is portrayed as a humanitarian effort designed to foster goodwill and international cooperation, with ongoing exchanges planned to broaden medical and civil-military cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Domestic Reforms: Military Service Registration

Officials outlined the rollout of the “Military Service Registration Regulations,” set to take effect January 1, 2026. The regulation is described as a concrete step in implementing the Military Service Law, clarifying responsibilities across levels of government, defining who must register for initial and reserve service (including female citizens), standardizing procedures, and strengthening verification and oversight mechanisms. The aim is to ensure lawful and orderly fulfillment of military service obligations and to streamline civil-military coordination through enhanced data capabilities.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Vision for 2026

In closing, the spokesperson previewed a forward-looking agenda anchored in Xi Jinping’s security and diplomacy priorities. The ministry pledged to advance the four global initiatives, deepen international military cooperation, and support the armed forces’ centennial goals through continued modernization and readiness efforts. The remarks framed a disciplined path toward national sovereignty, regional stability, and a stronger international security posture.

Key Facts at a Glance

Category	Details
Event	Regular press briefing by the Ministry of National Defense
Time	December 25, 2025; 15:00-16:36
Location	International Military Cooperation Office, Central Military Commission
Spokesperson	Colonel Zhang Xiaogang
Key themes	Military diplomacy, Taiwan posture, U.S. relations, Japan, space security, humanitarian missions, military service registration
Notable initiatives	Beijing Xiangshan Forum, SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting, UN peacekeeping reforms, Harmony Mission-2025, Silk Road Ark humanitarian work
Next steps	advance Four Global Initiatives; implement Military Service Registration Regulations; continue international military cooperation and joint exercises

Reader questions

1. Do you view intensified military diplomacy as enhancing regional stability or increasing geopolitical risk? why?
2. What balance should be struck between safeguarding sovereignty and pursuing constructive dialog with major powers?

Disclaimer: this report summarizes official statements and does not reflect independent verification of the events described. For ongoing updates, follow authoritative briefings from national defense ministries and international security analysts.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.

Transcript Highlights – Ministry of national Defense Regular Press Conference (December 2025)

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1. Opening Remarks by Defense Minister Li Shangfu

• “The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains committed to peaceful advancement while safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
• Emphasis on “integrated joint operations” and the continuous enhancement of informationized warfare capabilities.

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2. 2025 Defense Budget Overview

Category	FY 2025 Allocation	FY 2026 Preliminary Estimate
Total defense expenditure	¥1.88 trillion (≈ US$267 billion)	Expected to rise by 6.5 %
Modernisation of naval forces	¥210 billion	Additional ¥30 billion for Type 055 and Type 094 submarine programs
New‑generation aircraft	¥180 billion	Funding allocated for J‑20 block‑III upgrades and Y‑20 strategic transport fleet
Space & cyber	¥95 billion	Expanded Beidou satellite constellation and cyber‑defense R&D

Source: Ministry of National Defense (MND) official release, 2025 annual report.

Key take‑away: The budget reflects a steady increase in high‑tech platforms, with a particular focus on naval power projection and space‑based capabilities.

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3. Naval Developments – “Blue‑Water” Ambitions

• Type 055 destroyers: two newly commissioned units “Kun Lun” and “Tai Zhou” entered the East Sea Fleet.
• Submarine fleet: Completion of four Type 094 Jin‑class nuclear‑powered ballistic missile submarines, extending strategic deterrence.
• South China Sea patrols: PLA Navy (PLAN) conducted 24‑hour joint patrols around the Spratly Islands, emphasizing “maintaining maritime rights and safeguarding freedom of navigation for Chinese vessels.”

Quote: “Our naval forces will continue to operate in accordance with international law while protecting our sovereign waters.” – Rear Admiral Wu Qian, PLAN spokesperson.

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4. Air Force (PLAAF) Operations

• J‑20 stealth fighters: Deployment of six J‑20 block‑III aircraft to the Central Air Defense Command for air superiority drills over the Taiwan Strait.
• Training focus: “Integrated air‑sea‑land exercises” targeting joint strike capabilities and electronic warfare.
• Unmanned aerial systems (UAS): Introduction of Wing loong II UAVs for maritime surveillance along the East China Sea.

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5. Taiwan Strait – Strategic Posture

• “Regular combat readiness patrols” continued across the median line, with four sorties of fighter jets and two naval vessels reported.
• Defense Minister’s statement: “China’s stance on Taiwan is firm and non‑negotiable; we will resist any form of external interference.”
• Dialog invitation: The MND reiterated willingness to engage in peaceful talks with the Taiwanese authorities under the “One‑china principle.”

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6. Space & Satellite Navigation

• Beidou‑3 launch on 12 December 2025: Added four GEO and six LEO satellites, boosting global positioning accuracy to ≤ 1 meter.
• Military applications: Enhanced precision strike capabilities and real‑time situational awareness for PLA ground forces.

Quote: “Beidou is a strategic asset that underpins our informationized warfare and guarantees national security.” – General Zhang Wei, PLA Strategic Support Force.

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7. Cyber‑Security & Information Warfare

• Proclamation of a new cyber‑defence command center in Beijing, tasked with protecting critical information infrastructure.
• Annual cyber‑exercise “sky‑Shield 2025” simulated large‑scale network intrusion and counter‑measure scenarios across all services.
• International cooperation: calls for global norms on cyber‑operations, emphasizing “mutual respect, non‑interference, and responsible behavior.”

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8. Military Reform – Joint command Structure

1. Establishment of the Joint Operations Command Centre (JOCC) – Centralised command for land, sea, air, space, and cyber operations.
2. Tri‑service training: Over 15,000 officers completed integrated courses on joint tactics, logistics, and command‑and‑control.
3. Personnel policy: Introduction of flexible career paths allowing cross‑branch assignments to cultivate multidomain expertise.

Quote: “Our reforms aim to create an efficient,integrated,and battle‑ready force capable of winning future wars.” – Minister Li Shangfu.

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9. International Relations – China‑US Military Dialogue

• Recent high‑level talks in Washington (Nov 2025) resulted in a “Strategic Stability Agreement” covering missile clarity and risk‑reduction mechanisms.
• MND’s assessment: “The agreement is a positive step towards preventing inadvertent escalation in the Indo‑Pacific region.”
• Future engagements: Commitment to annual military exchanges and joint humanitarian assistance drills.

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10. Frequently Asked Questions from the Press

Question	Representative Answer
Will China increase its nuclear arsenal?	“China follows a self‑defence nuclear policy; any adjustments will be strictly defensive and transparent.”
What is the timeline for the next aircraft carrier?	“The third carrier is on schedule for sea trials in 2027, focusing on catapult‑assisted launch capabilities.”
How does China view the EU’s defense initiatives?	“China respects sovereign decision‑making; we encourage mutual dialogue to reduce misperceptions.”
Are there plans to expand the PLA’s humanitarian aid capacity?	“Yes, the People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force is upgrading medical and disaster‑relief units for rapid deployment.”

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11. Practical Takeaways for Analysts & Researchers

• Monitor budget allocations for emerging technologies (e.g., hypersonic weapons, quantum communications) as indicators of strategic priorities.
• Track Beidou satellite releases to gauge improvements in PLA’s precision‑strike reach.
• observe joint exercises-especially “Sky‑Shield” and “Blue‑Wave”-for insights into multidomain integration.
• Keep an eye on China‑US dialogue outcomes, which can influence regional risk calculus.

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Key Sources

• Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China – Official Press Conference Transcript (12 Dec 2025)
• State Council Information Office – 2025 Defence White Paper Summary
• Xinhua News Agency – “Beidou‑3 launch Successful” (12 Dec 2025)
• China Daily – “Li Shangfu Highlights Joint Operations reform” (13 Dec 2025)