What’s new: The Chinese military is fully prepared for any external provocations or emergencies during the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian said Thursday.
Wu made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a question about recent military drills conducted by the U.S. Navy in waters close to China and possible moves by the U.S. and its allies during the Games.
“China is fully prepared to welcome friends from around the world and will play a good host by making concerted efforts with all parties to ensure a rational, safe and splendid winter Olympics,” he said. “Yet it must be noted that the Chinese military is also fully prepared for any external provocation and contingency.”
The background: Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy announced that a strategic nuclear submarine arrived in Guam, a distant U.S. island in the Pacific, and several aircraft carrier groups gathered near China for training, according to media reports.
Contact reporter Cai Xuejiao (xuejiaocai@caixin.com) and editor Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com)
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