China's navy to safeguard world peace - President Hu Jintao.

QINGDAO: China will never be a threat to other nations and its armed forces will be an important force in safeguarding world peace and development, Chinese President Hu Jintao has said.

Mr. Hu told the heads of 29 foreign navy delegations that China would neither seek hegemony nor turn to military expansion or arms races. The delegations are here to participate in the 60th anniversary celebrations of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

Mr. Hu said China would stick to the road of peaceful development, which demanded China adhere to its national defence policy which was defensive in nature.

It was a strategic choice made by the Chinese government and people in line with the nation’s peace-loving tradition, the trend of the time and China’s fundamental interests, said Mr. Hu.

He noted that cooperation and exchanges between naval forces of different countries were key to building a “harmonious ocean,” which was the theme of the anniversary celebrations.

The PLA Navy would be more open and practical in international maritime security cooperation and unremittingly work towards the goal of building a harmonious ocean, Mr. Hu added.

Mr. Hu urged the nations to respect each other’s sovereignty and interests and to seek mutual development while combating conventional and unconventional threats in the oceans and protecting maritime safety.