BEIJING, March 4 -- A spokesperson for China's top legislature on Tuesday defended the country's defense policies, saying that peace can only be preserved with strength.

Responding to a question concerning China's growing military power, Fu Ying, spokesperson for the second session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), said China has never treated any country as an enemy or a threat.

As a major global power, China is also responsible for regional peace and security, Fu said at a press conference.

"Based on our history and experience, we believe that peace can only be maintained by strength," she said.

The second session of the 12th National People's Congress will convene on Wednesday.