China reiterated its position on peaceful development and refuted media reports which said China suggested it could look after the Eastern Pacific while Washington concentrated on the Western Pacific.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu made the remarks Wednesday in response to the Times of India's coverage of top US Pacific Commander Timothy Keating's visit to India.

Ma refuted the report, which ran May 15 on its website, saying China would firmly adhere to the track of peaceful development, pursue an independent policy of peace and a national defense policy which is purely defensive in nature.

"China did not and will not raise the so-called 'proposal' to anyone," said Ma.

Ma added that China has always been a reliable force in keeping international and regional stability, which was a consistent and clear position of the Chinese government.

"We have made clear our position to the US and India," he said. "We urge related sides not to listen to those irresponsible remarks."

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2009)