China on Thursday said it will not develop its military strength beyond national security demands and economic capability, and will not conduct an arms race with any country.

Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng made the remark at a regular press briefing while commenting on a report by IHS Jane, a global think tank, saying China's military expenditures will increase from 119.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2011 to 238.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2015.

"I don't know where the report cited those figures," Geng said, adding that China always stands for coordinated development between national defense and the economy.

China draws up its defense budget according to national security demands and national economic development, and will not develop its military strength beyond that, he said.

Geng also addressed concerns about China's naval upgrades, saying it is "quite normal" for countries to upgrade their militaries in an era of rapidly developing technology.

"Weapons and equipment development is undertaken to maintain national security. It does not target any specific country or objective," he said.

The spokesman also cited Chinese naval escort squads operating in waters near Somalia, stating that newly developed equipment has been used by these troops to play a positive role in maintaining peace and stability.

Addressing a report issued by the Japanese National Institute for Defense Studies regarding China's navy, Geng said the report makes a "wild guess" about China's military strength and exaggerates China's military threat.

Geng stressed that Japan has strengthened its own military in recent years, drawing attention from the international community, especially neighboring countries.

"We hope Japan will abide by its commitment to pursue a peaceful way of development, make its military development more transparent and reflect on its military policies, instead of gossiping about others," he said.

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