Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, responding to an Australian defence 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

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, responding to an Australian defence 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.