Expert: China is no military threat despite commissioning of aircraft carrier

Asian countries should adopt a new code of conduct on the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, and cooperation, Chinese Lieutenant General Ren Haiquan, deputy commandant of the PLA Military Academy of Sciences, said in Melbourne, Australia on Oct. 29.

In a speech titled “China's View on Regional Security and Stability in Asia" at the Chief of Army’s Exercise 2012 in Australia, Ren said that the national interests of different countries are becoming increasingly interwoven as globalization further deepens. Dialogue and cooperation is the only practical way for Asia-Pacific countries to pursue common development and ensure lasting regional peace and stability. Therefore, all countries should enhance communication and consultation from the perspective of tolerance and peace, and adhere to fair cooperation.

Ren added that China sticks to the road of peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, so there is really no need to worry about military threats from China. He stressed that China commissioned its first aircraft carrier only to safeguard core national interests and to maintain sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will not waver from the road of peaceful development.

A four-day joint humanitarian aid and disaster relief drill among China, Australia, and New Zealand dubbed “Cooperation Spirit 2012” kicked off in the Australian coastal city of Brisbane on Oct. 29, marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-Australia relations and China-New Zealand relations. This is the first joint military drill in the medical field among the three countries.

As the head of the Chinese delegation, Ren said that Australia and New Zealand are major powers in the South Pacific region, and the economies of the two countries and China are mutually complementary, not to mention the close cooperation among the three countries in culture, education, and technology. The joint drill has promoted their cooperation in solving security issues, particularly non-traditional security issues, which will help deepen the friendly cooperation among the three countries and their armed forces.

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