China will never change the defensive nature of its national defense policy, said Geng Yansheng, a spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense at a March 31 press conference at the State Council Information Office.

China follows a defensive national defense policy, while adhering to a road of peaceful development, said a government white paper issued on the same day, titled China's National Defense in 2010.

Constructive participation

In recent years, critics have questioned the purpose of China's defense policy as the Chinese military carries out an increasing number of operations beyond the country's borders.

The Chinese military's participation in international security affairs is "peaceful, cooperative and constructive," Geng said. Chinese armed forces abide by the UN Charter and international norms while conducting international operations.

In joint military exercises, the People's Liberation Amy (PLA) upholds principles such as non-alignment, non-confrontation, not targeting any third party, benefiting all parties strategically, equal participation and reciprocity. The PLA Navy's exercises in waters off the Chinese coast in the past months were routine exercises and they had not targeted any other country, Geng said.

By December 30, 2010, the PLA had participated in 19 UN peacekeeping missions. China has become the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

No arms races

In recent years, online and traditional media outlets have frequently played up China's new weapons and military equipment, drawing widespread attention. Critics have even speculated China is shifting the focus of its defense policy to developing aggressive weapons.

China has made initial progress in its national defense and military modernization program launched 13 years ago, said Cai Huailie, an official with the PLA General Staff Headquarters.

"No matter how developed its armed forces are, China will unswervingly take the road of peaceful development," he said.

The Chinese military will step up efforts to develop hi-tech weapons and equipment, with a focus on third-generation armament for national defense, said Fan Jianjun, an official with the PLA General Armament Department. It will also upgrade current equipment while developing equipment for military operations other than war, such as disaster relief and international peacekeeping.

"It should be stressed China will never change its defensive national defense policy," he said. "China will never engage in an arms race with any other country, nor will it overstretch itself to develop weapons and military equipment."

Sino-U.S. military relations

Despite difficulties in Sino-U.S. military relations, the two countries' armed forces are taking steps to implement military exchange programs planned for this year, Geng said. These relations now face new opportunities for development, he added.

"Military relations are an important component of the Sino-U.S. relationship," he said. "A healthy and stable relationship between Chinese and U.S. armed forces has important implications for the two countries' efforts to build a cooperative partnership of mutual respect and mutual benefit."

China is ready to work together with the United States to bolster strategic mutual trust, he said. The two countries should respect each other's core interests and major security concerns, address disputes and sensitive issues in a proper way and promote the sustainable and healthy development of bilateral military ties.

Nuclear safety

A comprehensive review of China's military nuclear facilities shows the facilities are operating safely, said Cai, addressing concerns over nuclear safety in the wake of radiation leaks at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant.

China has set up an emergency nuclear safety rescue team and given professional training to team members. Should nuclear accidents occur, the PLA will send trained personnel to help with emergency response efforts, Cai said.