Despite China’s focus on its naval modernization, China is sticking to its offshore defensive policy, and has no plan to set up military bases abroad. That’s according to the People’s Liberation Army, which made the remarks at its monthly regular press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

China’s nuclear submarines, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and the making of its aircraft carrier----these are seen as the symbol of the country’s rising naval power.

The People’s Liberation Army has emphasized its determination to modernize.

Col. Yang Yujun, Spokesman, Minisstry of National Defense, said, "The test of China’s aircraft carrier will be a very long-process, and based on what is needed. We will have other tests and training. The sea trials have met expectations. I hope you can read it objectively and rationally."

For the past decade, the PLA has been focusing on upgrading its capabilities. Many Chinese experts believe that given the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, the aircraft carrier seems to fit neatly into the strategy of protecting its territory.

Senior Colonel Du Wenlong says the aircraft carrier provides a crucial platform for future operations.

Du Wenlong, Senior Colonel, Military Academ of Sciences, PLA, said, "China is a country with a long coastal line and territorial waters. With its economic development, China needs to protect its interests overseas. This requires increasing its naval capability to the deep seas."

The Chinese navy has been more involved in the missions in the deep blue sea. It has taken part in escort missions along the Somali coast, and helped evacuate Chinese citizens from Libya in the far away Mediterranean. It has also carried out military exercises in the Pacific Ocean. China stresses that the development of its naval strength is for peaceful purposes only.

Col. Yang Yujun, Spokesman, Minisstry of National Defense, said,"For the past few years, the PLA navy has put its focus on improving the modernization and capabilities of operations. It has been working to advance the transformation. But the naval strategy of offshore defense remains unchanged."

"China believes that as times have changed, non-conventional security threats have increased globally, creating a need for further preparation. So, building a stronger navy is seen as a necessary step in the country’s efforts to safeguard its interests."

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