Defense Ministry launches account on X

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

Under the name "Ministry of National Defense of China" (@MND_China), the account invites 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 uploaded 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" and "Serving the People", accompanied by video clips showcasing the Chinese military conducting exercises and training, as well as carrying out overseas tasks such as United Nations peacekeeping operations, escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia, and providing medical assistance.

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

Before the launch of the X account, several social media accounts affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army had already been activated.

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

Moreover, the PLA National Defense University's International College of Defense Studies (@StudyinNDUChina) has been steadily posting updates on X and 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 the PLA's construction and development, as well as its strategies and policies.

"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," Zhang said.

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