China on Tuesday reiterated that its military modernization posed no threat to other countries, and it should be viewed objectively and without prejudice.

"China sticks to the path of peaceful development and pursues a defensive defence policy," said Ma Zhaoxu, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a regular press conference.

Ma's remarks came in response to a question on Australia's criticism of China's military modernization in Canberra's Defence White Paper released Saturday.

"China is a positive force for maintaining regional stability and world peace," Ma said.

The White Paper said China's military modernization had the potential to give its neighbors cause for concern if it were not carefully explained.

The 140-page white paper was believed to outline the largest single defense project in Australia's history, with plans to spend more than 70 billion U.S. dollars to boost its defenses over the next 20 years.

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2009)