China rejects Australian think tank's 'China threat' claim

China rejected a report by Australian think tank the Lowy Institute on Monday, which accused China of expanding its hypersonic weapons arsenal and increasing its ability to strike Australia, saying such claims reflect a serious strategic misjudgment.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news conference that China has noted relevant reports.

"The report you mentioned mirrors China through the logic that a strong country is bound to seek hegemony," Lin said. "This is a serious strategic misjudgment of China."

He urged the institution to stop hyping up the "China threat" and view China's development in an objective, fair, and rational manner.

China remains committed to the path of peaceful development, Lin said, adding that China's development of military capabilities is aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and is not targeted at any country.

"The growth of China's military strength represents the growth of the world's peace-loving forces," he said.