China has been developing space technology purely for peaceful purposes and will never participate in any arms race in outer space, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Thursday.

In response to a question on whether China would use its space technology for military purposes, Zhang said, "I can tell you clearly that China, like many other countries, explores and develops space technology only for the peaceful utilization of outer space."

China has always advocated a weapons-free outer space and holds that preventing an armament race in space is in the interests of all countries in the world, she said, adding that China is willing to carry out effective cooperation with other countries in the peaceful utilization of outer space.

"China has never and will never participate in an arms race of any form in outer space," Zhang said.

The spokeswoman said China's tremendous efforts to explore, develop and peacefully utilize outer space was not in contradiction with her status as a developing country.

All developing countries need to develop their level of science and technology, Zhang said, adding that China's endeavor to improve its space technology not only benefits the country alone but is also important to the cause of peaceful utilization of outer space by mankind.

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2003)