Chinese FM spokesman on Japan-Australia security statement

Source: Xinhuanet | 03-14-2007 08:49

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China hopes relevant countries can take into consideration the concerns and interests of other countries when they strengthen bilateral security cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said here Tuesday.

Qin made the remarks when asked to comment on a joint declaration on security and cooperation signed Tuesday between Japan and Australia.

Qin said China hopes relevant countries can contribute more to enhancing mutual trust so as to maintain peace and stability in the region.

When asked to comment on whether the declaration would prompt China to spend more on its military modernization, Qin said China's defense development does not pose a threat to other countries.

"China pursues the road of peaceful development. The modernization of our armed forces is defensive in nature," he said.

"We hope the relevant countries can objectively understand China's foreign and defense policies," he added.

When commenting on statements by the Australian and Japanese leaders that their security pact is not aimed at China, Qin said "we hope what they said is true."

"China will not invade or threaten other countries, so we have nothing to fear. We remain unperturbed," Qin said.

Editor:Du Xiaodan