China reiterates defensive national defense policy

China remains committed to peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy and never engages in military expansion, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

Guo made the remarks in response to reported criticism from leaders of Pacific Island countries over China's recent ballistic missile test launch in the region.

"China has stated its position on the test launch on multiple occasions," Guo told a regular news briefing in Beijing.

China is willing to work with South Pacific countries to jointly contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region, he added.