STATEMENT

June 16 – China urges the Canadian side to rectify its perception of China, act cautiously in words and deeds on China-related issues, and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability, said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, when responding to media questions on Friday.

It is reported that the Canadian defense minister recently announced that the Royal Canadian Navy will boost the size of its annual deployment to the Indo-Pacific from two to three warships, while describing China as “an increasingly disruptive global power” on the world stage.

When asked to comment on such remarks, the spokesperson pointed out that the relevant remarks by the Canadian side distort facts and reverse black and white. “We are firmly opposed to that,” he said.

Then he introduced that at the Shangri-La Dialogue not long ago, Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Li Shangfu clearly stated that China implements the Global Security Initiative (GSI), advocates the establishment of open, inclusive, transparent and equal regional security cooperation architecture, and contributes Chinese wisdom and strength to maintaining regional and global peace and stability.

In contrast, the Canadian side frequently sent military aircraft to China in the vicinity for close reconnaissance, and traveled thousands of miles with the US ships to navigate the Taiwan Strait in a show of force. “The international community can see clearly who the ‘positive energy’ for world peace is, and who the ‘destroyer’ for global security is,” he added.

“We urge the Canadian side to rectify its perception of China, act cautiously in words and deeds on China-related issues, and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability,” stressed the spokesperson.

By Editor