On Wednesday, China's Defense Ministry strongly criticized the annual report on China from the U.S. Department of Defense, asserting that the report misrepresents China's security policies and military strategies.

According to the Pentagon's report presented to the U.S. Congress, the People's Republic of China is expected to rapidly modernize, diversify, and expand its nuclear capabilities over the next decade. The report outlines China's national objectives, including its defense policies and military tactics. It is estimated that China currently possesses more than 500 nuclear warheads, and this number is projected to exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030. Despite China's public statements that certain technologies are intended for peaceful purposes, the report suggests that China will utilize new fast-breeder reactors and reprocessing facilities to generate plutonium for its nuclear weapons.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to this report, emphasizing that it exaggerates and sensationalizes the nonexistent 'Chinese military threat.' Wu clarified that the development of China's armed forces is primarily focused on preventing the threat of conflict, safeguarding China's own security, promoting global peace, and is not directed at any particular country or target.

Tensions have risen between China and the United States recently, with disputes over global and national security issues, military encounters in the South China Sea, and China's claim to Taiwan as its territory. The Pentagon noted in 2022 that China had escalated diplomatic, political, and military pressure against Taiwan.

A spokesperson from China's Taiwan Affairs Office criticized the U.S. report, particularly its stance on the Taiwan issue, during a media briefing on Wednesday.

Emphasizing the significance of the military-to-military relationship in Sino-U.S. relations, China's Defense Ministry's Wu stated that they maintain open and effective communication with the United States through military diplomacy. However, he added that the challenges and obstacles in the relationship are predominantly created by the United States, accusing them of feigning confusion while engaging in activities that undermine China's security interests, all while claiming to seek crisis management and enhanced communication.

This latest exchange between the two nations occurred just before China's 10th Xiangshan Forum, where foreign defense officials will be hosted by China from October 29 to 31. It is worth noting that the United States accepted China's invitation, despite China previously rejecting a meeting between the two countries' defense leaders a few months ago.