Foreign and Military Affairs

China hopes US be objective on its defense policy

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-10 23:08

BEIJING - China hopes the United States will take an objective, rational and just view towards China's national defense policy and the development of its armed forces, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang here on Thursday.

Qin's comment came in response to a question on China's attitude towards a US military officer's remarks on China's military development.

The Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said in a speech to the Asia Society's annual dinner that he was now "genuinely concerned" about "the gap as wide as what seems to be forming between China's stated intent and its military programs."

Responding to the remarks, Qin urged the US side to do more to build military relations with China, rather than harming them, so to ensure regional peace, stability and security.

Qin said the sole purpose of China's defense policy is self-defense and its military is being developed in a peaceful way.

China's development will not pose a threat to any country and anyone, he stressed, adding "We will not threaten and invade others."

China opposes hegemonism, he said. China is still a developing country, and even if it becomes a developed country in the future, it will still stick to the road of peaceful development and will not seek hegemony.

"It is the solemn commitment made by the Chinese government to the outside world," he said.