China's military a driving force in maintaining world peace

Note: The following article is taken from the Chinese-language "Commentaries on International Affairs".

China has issued a white paper on national defense in the new era. The document makes it clear for the first time that the distinctive feature of the country's national defense is never seeking hegemony, expansion or spheres of influence. The white paper shows openness, transparency and self-confidence the country has in its national defense policy.

Officers and soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army hold a flag and weapons during a training session for a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, at a military base in Beijing, China, August 22, 2015. [File photo: VCG]

China is still facing multiple complex security threats and challenges brought about by the profound changes in international strategic situations. While the country adjusts and streamlines its security strategies and carries out military reforms accordingly, it continues to pursue defense-oriented policies as stated in the white paper. China keeps to the stance that "we will not attack if unattacked; we will surely counterattack if attacked." This is determined by China's strategic choices for a peaceful development path as well as the Chinese tradition that values peace and harmony.

The white paper notes that a strong military of China is a staunch force for world peace, stability and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. It illustrates the relevance of China's national defense policy and army building to world peace and stability.

The document discloses China's defense spending with a large number of detailed figures and charts. It says the country's defense expenditure as a percentage of GDP has fallen from a peak of 5.43 percent in 1979 to 1.26 percent in 2017. It has remained below 2 percent for the past three decades. When compared with countries ranking high in defense expenditure in 2017, China's share of defense expenditure in GDP and government expenditure, as well as per capita and per-serviceperson defense spending are at a relatively low level. This is concrete evidence that the strengthening of China's military capacity is defense-oriented and the so-called China threat theory is ill-founded.

The white paper also includes a slew of issues including the PLA Djibouti Support Base, the infrastructure construction on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea, and newly developed weapons and equipment as well as the fight against corruption in the military, providing highly transparent information.

Taken together, these reflect the openness, sincerity and self-confidence of China's military. It will continue to serve as an important driving force in maintaining international peace and security.