Nation adheres to the 'path of peace'

China adheres to the path of peaceful development and is "an important force in the maintenance of peace and stability in the world and the region", Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press briefing yesterday.

He was responding to US Vice-President Dick Cheney's recent criticism of China's alleged military build-up.

Cheney said during his visit to Sydney last week that "China's recent space test and continued fast-paced military build-up are less constructive and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise".