China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang responded to a defense pact signed by Japan and Australia on Tuesday.   Mar.14 - China has voiced hopes that relevant countries should bear in mind the concern and interest of the region, and do more to improve peace and stability as well as boosting trust, when carrying out bilateral security cooperation.

 

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the comment on Tuesday, in response to a defense pact signed by Japan and Australia on the same day.

 

The spokesman said China pursues peaceful development and that the purpose of China's defense construction is to safeguard its own security, territorial integrity, and development. He reiterated that China is not going to invade or pose a threat to any country.

 

Qin Gang said China hopes relevant countries can understand China's foreign and defense policy and recognize that China is ready to develop mutually beneficial relations with other countries, helping to keep peace and stability in the region.

 

Japan and Australia signed a groundbreaking defense pact on Tuesday - one that the leaders of both countries stressed was not aimed at reining in China.

 

Referring to Japanese and Australian assurances that the defense pact is not aimed at China, Qin Gang said China hopes what they've said is true.

 

The defense pact was Japan's first such pact signed with a country other than the United States. It was signed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Australian Prime Minister John Howard after talks in Tokyo.