China always pursues a defense policy that is defensive in nature, and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China is endeavoring to contribute to maintaining regional security, Wang Guanzhong, a senior PLA officer, said on Sunday.

"We actively conduct friendly military exchanges and cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific. China's military- to-military cooperation with other Asia-Pacific countries is showing unprecedented dynamism," Wang, deputy chief of the general staff of the PLA, said in a speech at the 13th Shangri-La Dialogue.

He said China has established defense consultation and dialogue mechanisms with 13 neighbor countries, and has held 50 joint exercises and drills with other countries in this region in recent years.

China is seeing military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific that covers all dimensions, broad areas and multiple levels, Wang said, adding that his country continues to work on the enhancement of military cooperation with Russia, the United States, India and other major Asia-Pacific countries.

"The robust military cooperation among major powers plays an important role in maintaining regional security," he said.

In his speech, Wang also outlined China's extensive participation in regional multilateral defense and security cooperation.

"We are actively engaged in security cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, ADMM (ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting) plus, the ASEAN Regional Forum and China- ASEAN framework," said the officer.

The senior PLA officer also stressed that China is committed to properly handling disputes over territory, sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

"China has settled land border demarcation with 12 out of 14 of its neighbors and completed the delimitation of Beibu Gulf with Vietnam," Wang said.

Xinhua

(China Daily USA 06/02/2014 page1)