|Home|News|Reports|Photo|Video|Agenda|Backgrounder|Forum|  
  2007 NPC

China says military poses no threat

(AFP)
Updated: 2007-03-07 08:39

China on Tuesday brushed aside foreign concern over its military build-up, insisting that it was a force for peace and stability in the world.

"China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace. It safeguards its own lawful rights and interests, and also respects the lawful rights and interests of other countries," Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told reporters.

"We will always be a force for peace, cooperation and development."

On Sunday, China announced that military spending would rise 17.8 percent in 2007 to 350.9 billion yuan (about 45 billion dollars).

The United voiced alarm at the hike in spending. "This kind of spending not only concerns us but raises concerns among China's neighbors. This is inconsistent with China's policy of peaceful development," US national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

Li said Tuesday that China had nothing to hide.

"We pursue a national defence policy (of) ... increased military transparency," he said at a press conference in the capital's Great Hall of the People, where China's parliament is holding its annual session.

In an address to parliament on Monday, Premier Wen Jiabao vowed that China would continue to strengthen its armed forces.

"Building a solid national defence system and a powerful people's army is a strategic task in socialist modernisation," Wen said.

Chinese military officials and outside analysts have said Beijing is beefing up its armed forces in part to be able to take back the island of Taiwan by force if necessary.



Question Session

The Supreme People's Court will send back cases to provincial courts for retrial if it evaluates that a death sentence has been passed without proper .

From our readers

 HURRAY: I thought EVERY part of this plan was fantastic.

 beeterlate: Belatedly, US congress is requesting Japan to do the minimun decent thing.

 goodandwise: In a sea of economic uncertainly, to protect farmers who provide the basic vital need for the people, is a most wise and necessary step.

 Harsh reality: Recent history of the past 150 years has shown that when you are weak, you get invaded, robbed and beaten. That has proven to be the harsh reality.

 H.S.Yuen: Taiwan Island is part and parcel of China, geopolitically sociologically and historically.

Hot Forum Topics

 When Taiwan unites, Should Chen Shui Bian be tried in Chinese court for treason?
 9 involved in Shanghai fund scandal get sacked
 Why China cannot be over-populated?
 Beijing demands US cancel planned missile sale to Taiwan
 Washington Post: China plans rise in military spending
 Chinese Premier Wen Jia-bao's article

Photos
Clearly defining the roles of the public and private sectors is crucial to China's healthcare reform.
In the Limelight

Property law:
Draft property law in line with Constitution

 

Corporate tax:
Time ripe for unifying corporate income tax

 

Financial reform:
Reining in a runaway economy for people's benefit

 
· We'll be flexible with yuan: bank chief
· Healthcare, graft are key concerns
Slideshow

Migrant workers:
Government vows to protect rights of the country's 150 million migrant workers

 
· Get ready for the NPC, CPPCC sessions
· More efforts needed to protect environment
Video
· Foreign minister meets the press (20)
· Foreign minister meets the press (19)
· Foreign minister meets the press (18)
· Foreign minister meets the press (17)
· Foreign minister meets the press (16)
Tidbits  
    Railway-linked Tibet vexed on inadequate services
Entrance tickets to Potala Palace sold like hot cakes,but legislators worry tourists will be disappointed by scant ticket supplies.
 
    Hopes run high for twin national flowers
Around 70 scientists have signed a proposal to designate plum blossom and peony as the national flower.
 
   
Copyright 1995-2006. All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form.
Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.
Registration Number: 20100000002731