The Chinese military, especially the navy, made great strides last year in improving its combat capabilities, enabling it to better defend the nation against threats to its sovereignty, according to analysts.

It may take time for traditional powers in the Asia-Pacific to become accustomed to a stronger Chinese military, say analysts, but a stronger military would not increase the odds of regional conflict, given the country's priority of addressing domestic concerns.

"China should have a military that can match its power status," said Ma Gang, a professor at the People's Liberation Army National Defense University. "It is the only big country that has not achieved reunification and faces serious challenges to its sovereignty and several territorial disputes."