China's defense-related science, technology and industry takes a prudent attitude toward the export of military products and related technologies, says a government white paper issued Monday.

The white paper on China's national defense in 2004, released by the Information Office of China's State Council, also says the industry "strictly complies with the policies and laws of the state on non-proliferation."

The paper says China has invariably adhered to three principles concerning the export of military products: It should only serve the purpose of helping the recipient state enhance its capability for legitimate self-defense; it must not impair peace, security and stability of the relevant region and the world as a whole; and it must not be used to interfere in the recipient state's internal affairs.

"On the export of missiles and other military products, it strictly abides by the Regulations of the PRC on the Export Control of Missiles and Related Items and Technologies, the Regulations of the PRC on the Export Administration of Military Products and the corresponding lists," says the white paper.

The white paper also says China's defense-related science, technology and industry takes an active part in international exchanges and cooperation and is opening wider to foreign countries.

"In the field of the military industry for civil use, China encourages military enterprises and institutions to develop both the international and domestic markets, utilize resources from both home and abroad," says the white paper.

It says China also encourages them to introduce advanced foreign technologies and management expertise, improve the use of foreign funds, expand the strategic cooperation with large multinational companies, and raise the technological level of the defense-related science, technology and industry.

"China attaches great importance to developing cooperation in defense technology with friendly countries, and promotes exchanges of and cooperation in defense technology in the international industrial community," says the white paper.