Friday, December 29, 2000, updated at 14:29(GMT+8)
China
Li Zhaoxing Refutes 'China Threat' Theory
Li Zhaoxing, Chinese ambassador to the United States, pointed out at a press conference held in Washington on December 27, that the "China Threat" theory fabricated by some Americans is totally groundless, China's defense policy is defensive and China resolutely opposes any aggression against and menace to other countries.
China's defense expenditure this year is only one-20th of that of the United States and no more than one-third of Japan's, stated Li, China unilaterally reduced its armament by 1 million in the 1980s and by another half million in the past three yeas. "China suffered greatly from foreign aggression and threat in modern times, we are strongly against any invasion of and menace to other countries", said Li.
Li noted it is not China but those who have trumped up the "China threat" theory that pose real threat to the United States, to Sino-US relationship and to world peace. Li pointed out that the fundamental reason for those Americans concocting the "China threat" theory lies in their Cold War mentality, these people rack their brains to seek and make enemies to cover up and find a pretext for reaping staggering profits through arms expansion and sales of weapons. Their purpose, according to the ambassador, is to curb China's development, provoke antagonism between China and the United States, and undermine the relationship between the two countries.
Li Zhaoxing, Chinese ambassador to the United States, pointed out at a press conference held in Washington on December 27, that the "China Threat" theory fabricated by some Americans is totally groundless, China's defense policy is defensive and China resolutely opposes any aggression against and menace to other countries.