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Beijing (AFP): China is only interested in peace and its military budget is transparent, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Tuesday after US criticism over the build-up of its armed forces. “China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace. It safeguards its own lawful rights and interests, and also respects the lawful rights and interests of other countries,” Li told reporters. “We pursue a national defence policy (of) … increased military transparency,” he added.
On Sunday, China raised hackles by announcing military spending, which has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, would rise 17.8 percent in 2007 to 350.9 billion yuan (about 45 billion dollars).
Premier Wen Jiabao said Monday that China would continue to strengthen its armed forces.
A government report said the increase would enable China to “fight a defensive war under hi-tech conditions and respond to emergencies.”
But the White House expressed concern.
“This kind of spending not only concerns us but raises concerns among China's neighbors. This is inconsistent with China's policy of peaceful development,” said national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
US Vice President Dick Cheney made similar comments in February, citing the spending and China's shooting down of a satellite with a missile in January.
Analysts have said Beijing is beefing up its military in part to be able to take back the island of Taiwan by force if necessary.
China and Taiwan have been separated since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing still considers the island part of its territory and bridles at the pro-independence sentiment of its current president Chen Shui-bian.
