China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin answered questions from the media on January 9, 2012, at the ministry's regular press conference.

Q: The U.S. Department of Defense released a Defense Strategic Review, saying that the rise of China may affect the economy and security of the United States, and that states such as China and Iran will continue to pursue asymmetric means to counter U.S.' power projection capabilities. It also urges China to clarify its strategic intentions and stresses that U.S. forces will increase their presence in the Asia-Pacific region. What is your response?

Liu Weimin: China's strategic intention is clear, open and transparent. China sticks to the path of peaceful development and upholds an independent foreign policy of peace as well as a defense policy that is defensive in nature. The modernization of our national defense forces serves the need of national security and development and plays a positive role in safeguarding regional peace and stability, without posing a threat to any country. The charges against China in this document are groundless and lack credibility. China will look seriously into the document.

To maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific serves the common interests of all countries within the region. We hope that the United States will play a more constructive role to this end in future.