China's endeavor to build itself into a maritime power is not intended to outspread its naval power, much less to pursue maritime hegemony, said Geng Yansheng, director of the Information Office under the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and spokesman of the MND, at a regular press conference held in Beijing yesterday afternoon.
In response to the question concerning the statement that China will be built into a maritime power in the report delivered by Chinese President Hu Jintao at the opening session of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Geng Yansheng pointed out that to build the nation into a maritime power, China does not aim to engage in maritime expansion, still less to seek maritime hegemony, but to enhance China's capacity for exploiting marine resources, develop marine economy, safeguard China's maritime rights and interests and ensure sustainable economic and social development.
Geng Yansheng also said that the Chinese military advocates and implements the concept of "harmonious ocean", abides by the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other universally recognized norms governing international relations, actively participates in international maritime security dialogues and cooperation, and is willing to make joint efforts with the armed forces of various countries to safeguard maritime security.
Nutritious lunch provided in Taipei's elementary school