Foreign and Military Affairs
China's defense capability not a threat
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-05 15:53
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SINGAPORE - The development of China's national defense capabilities is not aimed at challenging, threatening or invading any other country, but to maintain its own security, a senior Chinese military official said here on Saturday.
Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army pointed out at the 9th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Asian Security Summit that some people still view China's development with suspicion, worrying that China will seek expansion and hegemony when it becomes strong, as some western countries did.
Ma noted that every country should combine its own interests of its own people with shared interests of people around the world, and its own national security with the common security with the international community.
He quoted an old Chinese saying that "one should help others succeed before he himself succeeds; one should help others prosper before he himself prospers," noting that this ancient wisdom for personal survival can provide a reference to international relations today.
"Only common development can guarantee sustainable development for all, and only common security is truly sustainable security," he stressed.
Ma said that solution to problems related to maritime affairs, cyberspace, outer space, climate and environment ultimately lies in further development and cooperation, and these issues should neither be politicized nor used as excuses to put pressure on ther countries in pursuit of one's own interest.
"International community should bear in mind both the history and reality in handling those issues," he said. While upholding every nation's right to strive for sustainable development, he said "we should also give full consideration to the actual development level of different nations and gradually establish fair and effective international norms through serious, responsible and constructive negotiations."
"We believe maintaining security in the Asia-Pacific region serves China's interest, and it is also China's responsibility," Ma said, adding that China has the responsibility to make greater contribution to regional peace and prosperity and it is willing to do so.
The 9th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Asian Security Summit, the Shangri-La Dialogue, is held in Singapore on June 4-6. Delegations from 28 countries and regions, with more than 300 delegates including defense ministers, chiefs of defense staff, and other senior security policy-makers, attended the summit.
