China persists in int'l security cooperation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-20 14:18

China persists in conducting security cooperation and maintaining common security with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, says a White Paper issued by the Information Office of the State Council in Beijing Tuesday.

With regard to the regional security cooperation, the Chinese government is actively involved in multilateral cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), says the paper titled "China's National Defense in 2008".

In addition, China attaches great importance to the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). China-ASEAN and ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) cooperation in non-traditional security fields is developing in depth.

On participation in UN peacekeeping operations, China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has consistently supported and actively participated in the peacekeeping operations consonant with the spirit of the UN Charter.

The PLA has sent 11,063 military personnel time to participate in 18 UN peacekeeping operations since 1990. Eight lost their lives on duty, says the White Paper.

As of the end of November 2008, China had 1,949 military peacekeeping personnel serving in nine UN mission areas and the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Besides, China has sent 1,379 peacekeeping policeman time to seven mission areas since 2000, it adds.

On military exchanges and cooperation with other countries, the paper says the PLA develops cooperative military relations with other countries that are non-aligned, non-confrontational and not directed against any third party, and engages in various forms of military exchanges and cooperation in an effort to create a military security environment featuring mutual trust and mutual benefit.

China creates a new situation in military diplomacy which is open, practical and dynamic, the paper says.

According to the paper, China has established military ties with over 150 countries, and has military attach offices in 109 countries. A total of 98 countries have military attach offices in China.

China also actively holds bilateral or multilateral joint military exercises with other countries. The paper says China has held over 20 joint military exercises or joint training exercises with a score of countries since 2007.

The White Paper says China is sending an increasing number of military students overseas. In the past two years, it has sent over 900 military students to more than 30 countries.

To further military exchanges and cooperation, and enhance mutual military confidence, China's Ministry of National Defense officially set up an spokesperson system in May 2008.

The newly-founded Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense of the PRC releases important military information through regular or irregular press conferences and written statements, says the paper.