Defense ministry launches its official account on X

China's Ministry of National Defense formally launched its official account on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, a move that is believed to convey an "opener, more transparent, and more confident" image of China's armed forces.

Under the name of "Ministry of National Defense of China" (handle: @MND_China), the account invited global netizens to "know about China's national defense in the new era" in its profile introduction.

In its first post, the ministry said in English: "History in the making! Here we come. Hi, the official account of the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China goes live today."

"On this platform, we will share stories about China and the Chinese military," it said.

A one-minute video was posted below the post, with a preface saying: "Peace is the common aspiration and lofty goal of humanity. The Chinese military has always been a staunch force for world peace."

Three slogans followed: "Upholding justice; Safeguarding peace; Serving the people", with video clips showcasing the Chinese military conducting exercises and training, and carrying out overseas tasks, such as the United Nations peacekeeping operations, escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia, and medical assistance.

In addition, there were also clips of the Chinese armed forces participating in emergency disaster relief within the country.

Before this launch, several accounts affiliated with the PLA had already been activated.

In April, the PLA Navy launched its overseas social media accounts, including X (@China_Navy) and YouTube. In addition, the PLA's news and communication center opened its social media accounts (X: @ChinaMilBugle) in September last year.

Moreover, the PLA National Defense University's International College of Defense Studies (@StudyinNDUChina) has also been steadily posting updates on X or Facebook.

Zhang Junshe, a former researcher at the PLA's Naval Research Academy, said that the opening of these accounts reflects a more open, transparent and confident attitude of the Chinese military, allowing netizens from around the world to better understand PLA's construction and development, as well as the strategies and policies it adheres to.

"The successive opening of these global social media accounts can satisfy the outside world's curiosity about the Chinese military, fulfill the desire to understand it, and enhance the connection between the PLA and the world," he said.

Furthermore, he pointed out that through these platforms, many global netizens can also directly leave comments and engage in interactions, "which enable them to not only better understand China's defense development, but also clarify some wrong perceptions or misunderstandings and help eliminate rumors and smears".