The Chinese military denies it has adopted a tough approach in handling territorial disputes over the South China Sea, saying its recent moves in the disputed waters were intended to safeguard national interests.
At a press briefing on the nation's defence strategy ahead of today's 85th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, the military said China wanted to maintain friendly ties with other countries and engage in bilateral dialogue to settle territorial disputes.
But military officials said China would still need to continue to modernise its army, and it was the PLA's responsibility to protect the country's territorial integrity.
'It is not appropriate to link the legitimate activities of the PLA in safeguarding the lawful rights of China to any suggestion China is acting tough towards other countries,' said Geng Yansheng, a senior colonel and a National Defence Ministry spokesman.
He said recent moves by China in the South China Sea were intended to 'safeguard China's sovereignty, territorial integrity, maritime rights and interests. These activities are not targeted at any country or any party.'
Beijing has stepped up its assertion of sovereignty over the waters in recent months as rival claimants, including Vietnam and the Philippines, do the same. Beijing announced the establishment of Sansha on Yongxing Island last month to oversee two disputed island chains and an undersea atoll in the area. A military garrison has also been established at Sansha, prompting strong reactions from the Philippines and Vietnam.