PLA vows to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of 90th anniversary

CGTN photo

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, the spokesman of China's Ministry of National Defense, said the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is determined to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the ongoing border standoff with India.

Wu made the remarks at a press conference on Monday on the achievements of the PLA in the 90 years since its founding.

When China tried to build a road in the Doklam border region last month, India sent troops to block the construction efforts, saying it was helping its neighbor, Bhutan, the spokesman said when answering a question from India Today.

"We urge India to withdraw the troops unconditionally and to stop provocative actions," Wu said. Adding maintaining the peace and stability in the region is beneficial for both Chinese and Indian people.

"It is easy to shake a mountain, but no way to shake the PLA," he said.

South China Sea

When referring to the recent report of a Chinese navy ship sailing near the northeastern coast of Australia, Wu said China has the right of freedom of navigation in international waters just like any other countries.

On Saturday, Australia claimed it detected a Chinese observation ship sailing near a joint exercise between the US, New Zealand and Australian navies, off its northeastern coast. A reporter from CNN raised the question and described it as a "high-profile" and "new normal" activity.

China is actively participating in peacekeeping and humanitarian aid activities around the world and it is taking the responsible role in maintaining global and regional peace and stability, Wu said.

Speaking of Vietnam's recent oil drilling in the South China Sea, Wu reaffirmed China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the area, but denied the reports saying Chinese vessels destroyed a Vietnamese fishing ship.

Vietnam began the drilling expedition last month in a sea area about 400 km off its southeastern coast.

Reports came in over the weekend saying Vietnamese ships were under threat by Beijing.

Wu said he is not aware of such reports.

Discipline troops

The PLA will fully implement governance by law and crack down on corruption following President Xi Jinping's instructions, senior officials told reporters.

The army has improved the military legal system with Chinese characteristics, while advancing the governance of defense and military development. Meanwhile, it will continue to carry out reforms, address institutional impediments, and fight corruption to set up the framework of a new military system. 

Officials also outlined the achievements of the ongoing reform on the Chinese armed forces PLA.

CGTN photo

Speaking of the speculation on a military parade marking the 90th anniversary of the PLA, Wu said the ministry will release the information at an appropriate time.