The government expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to a report on China's military power published by the US Defense Department on Wednesday.

Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi summoned David Sedney, chargé d'affaires of the US embassy in China, to lodge a solemn representation yesterday.

Yang said the report "groundlessly criticizes" China's defense modernization drive, and "makes unwarranted charges" about its normal defense construction and military deployment.

He said the report, with no concrete basis, claims China has become the world's third largest military spender, and that its rapid military modernization poses a threat to the US and other powers in Asia-Pacific region.

Yang said its assertion that Taiwan needed to develop countermeasures was an excuse for the US to sell it advanced weaponry.

In disregard of the facts, he said, the report spreads the rhetoric of a "China threat," a move that interferes in China's internal affairs and foments dissension between China and its neighbors.

Such an act "severely breaches the basic norms governing international relations and runs counter to the principles in the three Sino-US joint communiqués," he said.

Yang stressed that China adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace and adopts a defensive policy, and is an important force in promoting peace in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large.

In recent years, China's defense expenditure has increased along with its economic development in an effort to improve the living conditions of its servicemen and women, he said.

At the same time, it is necessary for Chinese armed forces to upgrade some weaponry to cope with a complex international situation, safeguard state sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Yang said.

"This is the due right of China as a sovereign state and no other country has the right to intervene," he stressed.

In comparison with other large nations, China's defense expenditure remains relatively low, Yang said. China's military spending in 2004 was US$25.6 billion, whereas "US defense expenditure hit US$455.9 billion – 17.8 times more than China's total and 77 times more per capita."

He also said China's military exchanges and cooperation with other countries was justified and does not target at any other third country. "It is utterly wrong for the US to create obstacles in this regard," said Yang.

He said the government adheres to basic principles of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" but will never tolerate "Taiwan Independence" or any move to separate Taiwan from China by anyone in any way.

"We have the confidence and capability to achieve the reunification of the motherland," he said.

Yang said the US should value progress made in its relations with China in recent years, and act to help their healthy and steady growth rather than making trouble.

It is the mainstream for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to seek peace, development and cooperation and such a trend is continuing to develop, Yang said.

Countries in Asia-Pacific region in general believe the development of China is an opportunity instead of a threat, he said, adding that such a belief is also the consensus of the international community.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2005)