China urges Pentagon to 'rationally' view military strength

BEIJING - China's Foreign Ministry on Sunday voiced strong opposition to a Pentagon report on China's military development and security, calling on the US to have "an objective and rational understanding" of China's military strength.

"We urge the US to abandon its Cold War mindset, take off its colored glasses, and have an objective and rational understanding of China's military development," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, referring to a report released on Saturday by US Department of Defense.

She called on the US to stop issuing such biased report and refrain from any words and deeds that undermine bilateral relations and trust between the two military so as to maintain the healthy and stable growth of military relationship.

Hua expressed "strong opposition" to the US report, which ignores facts, make speculations and continues to play up the so-called China threat and lack of military transparency and casts doubts on China's normal defense building and strategic plan, Hua said.

She particularly criticized the report for pointing finger at China's moves to protect territorial sovereignty and security interests in the South China Sea.

The spokeswoman reiterated China's adherence to a peaceful development path and defensive military strategy, which is a firm force in maintaining peace and stability in Asia-Pacific and the world at large.

China's defense building is aimed at safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is entitled to every sovereign state, Hua added.

The report also drew criticism from China's Defense Ministry, with spokesperson Geng Yansheng warning that China will make further response accordingly.