June 25 — At a routine briefing, China’s Defense Ministry spokesman Senior
Colonel Zhang Xiaogang rebutted an Australian Lowy Institute report that alleged
China is expanding its hypersonic weapons arsenal and enhancing strike
capabilities against Australia. Zhang reiterated China pursues a defensive
military policy, that force development is aimed at safeguarding national
sovereignty and development interests, is not directed at any country and does
not constitute a threat, and described China’s military growth as contributing
to world peace. He urged parties not to ignore facts or amplify a so‑called
“China military threat” narrative.