Defense minister stresses sovereignty in speech

The Chinese military "has never been afraid of any enemy" and has the confidence and courage to defeat those who dare to come, said General Wei Fenghe, Chinese defense minister, at the Moscow Conference on International Security on Tuesday.

China loves and defends peace and will firmly uphold its core interests at the same time, he said in a video speech at the security forum held by the Russian Defense Ministry, stressing the army will safeguard the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity with "strong determination, firm will and strong capability".

The minister, also a member of the Central Military Commission, expressed firm opposition and sternly condemned US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent visit to the island of Taiwan, saying China has taken resolute countermeasures in response.

He warned there is absolutely no good end for "Taiwan independence" and foreign interference would never succeed.

The senior defense official called on all countries to work together to safeguard regional and global peace and stability, and uphold fairness and justice by jointly rejecting hegemonic practices, as the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation.

Wei said the Chinese military is willing to work with other armies to implement the Global Security Initiative, deepen defense and security cooperation and help solve hot-button issues.