Beijing, 24 December 2021 (TDI): Earlier this week, German Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schonbach expressed concerns over the expansion of China’s Navy. In a press conference, Zhao Lijian, the Spokesman & DDG, Information Department at the Foreign Ministry of China denunciated the German concerns.
He said that it would be an overstatement to define the military growth of China as explosive and would be unwarranted to see it as “a cause for concern”.
China is a builder of world peace, a defender of the international order, a provider of public good, and a contributor to global development. Moreover, it is committed to a defensive national defense policy.
The development of the necessary military capabilities of China is with the intent of defending its legitimate national security interests. Hence, is completely justified and reasonable.
He underscored that no country will be threatened by the defense forces of China as long as it doesn’t undermine or threaten China’s sovereignty, security as well as territorial integrity.
Zhao Lijian further stated that presently the situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable, with the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN countries. It is imperative that the non-regional countries respect the efforts of countries directly involved, to maintain stability and peace.
China has stressed time and again that all the countries should foremostly subscribe to and safeguard, the international order underpinned by international law. All states should comply with fundamental norms governing international relations founded on the objectives and principles of the UN Charter.
In addition, vigilance as well as opposing certain countries’ muscle-flexing by sending aircraft and warships to the South China Sea is important. Flagrant discord-sowing among regional countries will destabilize peace.
About Germany, he stated that if it wants to expand its military, demonstrate its military presence in other regions and break its own policy limits, it doesn’t need to make an issue out of China.
