China on Tuesday reiterated that its development and its defense building posed no threat to any other country.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remarks in responding to U.S. naval chief's statement about the so-called threat from China's navy.

It was reported earlier this month that the commander of the U.S. nuclear submarine fleet Vice-Admiral John J. Donnelly said he believed China's navy was a growing threat and the United States was moving 60 percent of its submarine fleet to the Pacific to respond.

"Our defense policy is defensive in nature," Qin said, noting that China firmly took the road of peaceful development and followed an independent foreign policy of peace.

Meanwhile, in the international arena, he said China also pursued the new security concept featuring trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination.

"We are ready to increase dialogue and deepen mutual trust with other countries to jointly safeguard regional and world peace and security," Qin noted.

(Xinhua News Agency November 25, 2008)