Sunday marks the 83rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army.
On the occasion, a Defense Ministry official reiterates China will continue to uphold its defensive policy while enhancing its capabilities of non-combat military operations.
Chen Zhe has more.
China will continue to enhance military capabilities of responding to multiple security threats and accomplishing diverse tasks.
Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng says the major military threat for China is those challenges hindering the country's economic development.
"China is on route of development. So the first priority for us is to ensure a good and peaceful external environment for the economic development. The army will continue to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity to ensure the country's security."
The official emphasizes China will continue to uphold its defense policy of a defensive nature.
In response to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's talks of U.S. "national interests" in the South China Sea area, the spokesman says China will push for the resolution of differences regarding the area.
"China has indisputable sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea and the surrounding waters. China would like to solve disputes over the issue through dialogue with relevant countries and objects to having the issue internationalized."
Geng Yansheng adds China will respect the liberty of ships and aircraft from "relevant countries" traversing the South China Sea in accordance with international laws.
Meanwhile, non-combat military operations have become an increasingly important way of using military force.
The PLA has been actively involved in such operations as counter terrorism, peacekeeping, and domestic and international disaster reduction and humanitarian relief.
Huang Jianfa, leader of the China International Search and Rescue Team says China will invest more to strengthen the capabilities of the team.
"We'll recruit more members of the team which basically double its original size. Now we've already had the work done. The central budget will earmark 100 million yuan to purchase advanced equipments. The team will also step up training programs."
Upon the agreement made by member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2008, China will take part in the joint military exercise of SCO members this autumn in Kazkhastan.
By then, China will send over 1,000 of its army and air force personnel to join the anti-terrorism exercise.
