Speaking at the Global Times Annual Conference 2024, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Rear Admiral Yang Yi highlighted the fundamental difference in perspectives between China and Western powers, particularly the US, regarding the path of China’s development. While China advocates peaceful development, Western powers, led by the US, perceive China as inevitably seeking hegemony, creating a significant contradiction.
Rear Admiral Yang Yi warned that China should aim for the best outcome but also prepare for potential consequences by developing plans and strengthening its own capabilities. Despite a recent meeting between the heads of state in San Francisco providing confidence in strategic stability, Yang emphasized that this alone cannot resolve the decisive contradictions between China and the US.
Among the areas of concern, Yang pointed to the Taiwan question, emphasizing China’s resolute attitude and declaring it a red line, bottom line, and core interest. He asserted that there would be consequences if anyone challenges this stance. Despite the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine, the Western camp is cautious about bold actions on the Taiwan question and has shifted focus to the South China Sea.
The South China Sea has become a new hotspot, especially with Western powers using the Philippines to provoke China. Yang stressed the importance of adopting the right strategy and increasing China’s strength in response to this challenge.
Yang noted changes in various aspects surrounding the China-US relationship, highlighting the shift in the economic and trade relationship from a ballast stone to collateral. He emphasized that the military relationship has become an insurance tether to prevent large-scale military conflicts. The recent video meeting between top military officials from China and the US was praised as a positive example.
While China strives for stability, Yang emphasized that the country is not afraid of troubles and must be prepared. Power preparation is crucial for protecting national interests, and Chinese modernization is at the core of the country’s strategic goals.
Jin Canrong, Associate Dean of the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China, also addressed the conference, noting that the main external challenge to Chinese modernization comes from the US. He expressed confidence that as long as China maintains domestic development and stability, it can handle pressure from the US effectively.