BEIJING, April 10 -- China has claimed sending troops to and setting up territorial defense equipment on the islands and reefs of Nansha Islands is the automatic right as a sovereign state.
Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks on Tuesday when answering a question on China's defense.
"Nansha Islands are part of Chinese territory, and setting up troops and defense equipment on their islands and reefs helps protect China's sovereignty and safety, and helps maintain an unimpeded and secure navigation channel in the South China Sea," he said. "It also helps maintain the regional peace and stability, while it is not directed at any particular country."
"China will resolutely follow the path of peaceful development, and pursue a national defense policy that is in nature defensive, as well as a military strategy of active defense," he said.
Fishing bans imposed on Pearl, Yangtze to help declining stock
Pandas show interest, but fail to mate at zoo
UN approves Syria monitors
Parents of slain Florida teen criticize info leaks
搞笑的动物摄影
Iran mulls venues for nuclear talks
China-New Zealand relationship 'best ever'
UN's Ban pushes Annan Syria plan
Afghan Taliban say US must rebuild trust
US plane makes emergency landing after pilot rant about bomb
Korean-American Kim to lead World Bank
Book deal opens new chapter in nation's cultural exchange
Norway killer refuses to recognize court
Blood-lead level testing resumed amid outcry
Coca-Cola opens biggest bottling plant in China
High winds warning for weekend
Satellite fueled up for launch
China gets serious about seatbelt use
Obama's incumbency vs Romney's hurdles
Web giants face off in court
Ultrasound gender test gang busted in Hubei
Students caught betting on sports
Scalded woman fighting for life
奥斯卡提名演员将加入《纸牌屋》第五季
Romney in control after Santorum bows out
Fake monks busted by Buddhist students
Plan to buy islands 'unacceptable'
Germany 'an appealing site' for expansion
Panic over tsunami alert
A more travel-friendly globe awaits Chinese