Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, responding to an Australian defense
minister’s comment that China’s growing military strength is placing pressure on
Southeast Asia, said China pursues peaceful development and that its force
modernization is intended to safeguard national sovereignty, security and
development interests. He said China’s military development is not directed at
any country and does not amount to military expansion, and urged relevant
parties to view the issue objectively and stop making irresponsible remarks.
