Speaking at a military event on Monday, China’s second-ranking military official pledged to strengthen military ties with the US while accusing “some countries” of “creating turbulence” and attempting to overthrow Communist Party leadership.
China’s largest yearly display of military diplomacy got underway on Sunday without the presence of the minister of defence, who usually serves as the event’s host.
During a keynote speech at the event, Zhang Youxia, deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission, stated, “We will deepen strategic cooperation and coordination with Russia and on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, develop military ties with the U.S.” That speech was previously given by China’s minister of defence.
Since Li Shangfu, the former Chinese defence minister, was appointed in March, Washington-sanctioned, there have been no direct military-to-military interactions between the United States and China.
China failed to appoint a successor after Li was fired last week without cause or explanation. Li has been gone for two months, and according to Reuters last month, an investigation is being conducted by
In a subtle jab at Western nations like the United States, which is increasingly working with allies to restrain Beijing’s military ambitions, Zhang said, “Some countries intentionally create turbulence and interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and instigate colour revolutions.”
The Chinese government refers to attempts to topple Communist Party leadership as a “colour revolution.”
Zhang also said that “some countries” were still operating under the notion of a zero-sum game and were involved in clique politics.
In remarks aimed at the US, he stated, “Countries should not deliberately provoke other countries on major and sensitive issues such as Taiwan,” adding that Taiwan is China’s vital interests.