China builds army 'with peace in mind' (4)

Greater cooperation

Ma, the professor, highlighted the potential for greater military cooperation between China and other countries based on common threats like terrorism and piracy. A stronger Chinese military will be able to play a bigger role in serving global peace, he said.

Of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China is the largest contributor of personnel to UN peacekeeping missions.

In the past five years, China has sent 16 fleets composed of 42 warships to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, escorting 5,465 vessels and rescuing 42 ships attacked by pirates.

"It is normal for the world to have some suspicions about the Chinese military build-up, while mutual understanding can only be improved through communication."