Xu defends China's military might (2)

Xu acknowledged Western concern over the Chinese military, which was put on display October 1 in a massive parade through Beijing on the 60th anniversary of modern China's founding.

The parade, he said, "was well received in international public opinion. However, I also noted some suspicions and misunderstandings in the press. Some reports were not objective enough."

Xu portrayed the People's Liberation Army as being focused primarily on protecting China's economic development and defending against separatist and extremist challenges, which he said were clearly on the rise.

"There is still a huge gap between China and developed countries. We are now predominantly committed to peaceful development, and we will not, and could not, challenge or threaten any other country," he said.

The general was scheduled to meet US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday as part of the general's US tour that will also take him to military bases and installations around the country – the latest in on-again, off-again efforts by the two countries to improve often tense relations.

Most Chinese military analysts interviewed by the Global Times on Tuesday had a positive take on Xu's trip.

Calling the military communication between China and the US the most sensitive part of bilateral relations, Jin Canrong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, said "the military exchange between the two most powerful countries will benefit both sides in the future."

But military expert Song Xiaojun said China will need more sincerity from the US on sensitive issues, such as Taiwan and the conflicts over the South China Sea, rather than only talks and hospitality from the US military.

Source: Global Times
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