China issues white paper on Asia-Pacific security cooperation

2017-01-11
Xinhua

BEIJING — China on Jan 11 issued a white paper on policies related to Asia-Pacific security cooperation, which also clarified the nation’s stance on issues of regional concern.

The white paper, “China’s Policies on Asia-Pacific Security Cooperation,” was released by the State Council Information Office.

Outlining China’s concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, the white paper explained the Chinese approach to achieving peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The policy package includes the promotion of common development; the building of partnerships; improvement of existing multilateral frameworks; rule-setting; military exchanges; and proper settlement of differences.

Noting the role that major countries in the region play in maintaining peace and development, the white paper urged them to reject the Cold War mentality, respect others’ legitimate interests and concerns and to pursue positive interactions.

“Small- and medium-sized countries need not and should not take sides among big countries,” the white paper said.

All countries should work toward a new dialogue system instead of confrontation, and pursue partnerships rather than alliances, according to the white paper.

China said it supported the creation of international and regional rules set through discussion with all countries concerned rather than being dictated by any particular country.

Rules of individual countries should not automatically become “international rules,” and countries should not be allowed to violate the lawful rights and interests of others under the pretext of rule of law, according to the white paper.

China is prepared to take on greater responsibilities for regional and global security, and provide more public security services to the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large, it said.

The white paper said China will increase military exchanges and cooperation, which would support peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. China will build a strong national defense force that is commensurate with China’s international standing.

“Its security and development interests is a strategic task in China’s modernization drive, and provides a strong guarantee for its peaceful development. China’s armed forces support the country’s development and contribute to the maintenance of world peace and regional stability,” the white paper said.

China remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully through negotiation and consultation and upholding peace and stability as well as freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, the white paper said.

It said China and ASEAN continue to maintain communication and dialogue on the South China Sea issue, strengthening pragmatic maritime cooperation and steadily advancing consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

China, it was added, may “make the necessary response” to provocative action that infringes on its territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, or behavior that undermines peace and stability in the South China Sea.

On issues of regional concern, China has actively pushed for peaceful solutions as a responsible major country.

China will continue to work with the international community and strive for denuclearization and long-term peace and stability of the peninsula and of Northeast Asia as a whole.

China called for “discretion” by the US and ROK in the deployment of the THAAD anti-ballistic missile system in the ROK, which is detrimental to strategic stability, mutual trust and the strategic security interests of China and other countries.

“China strongly urges the US and the ROK to stop this process,” the white paper said.