Deputy Chief of the General Staff of China's People's Liberation Army, Sun Jianguo, told the 14 th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31 that the situation on the East Sea is generally peaceful and stable.

Addressing the event, the Chinese representative repeatedly said China pursues a consistent policy of being a responsible world power abiding by international principles.

He said principles of the UN Charter must be observed, which is the only way to develop peacefully, adding that win-win cooperation should be the final goal towards peace and stability.

Sun Jianguo said China’s construction on islands in the East Sea was mainly for the purpose of improving the functions of the relevant islands and reefs, and the working and living conditions of personnel stationed there.

He also argued that the move is geared to better perform China ’s international responsibility in search and rescue operations, natural disaster prevention, marine scientific research and environmental protection.

He said China has exercised enormous restraint, making positive contributions to peace and stability of the region and the world at large.

However, the Chinese representative declined to respond to direct questions by many delegates on China ’s deployment of weapon to islets in the East Sea and requests for a clear and transparent explanation for its moves in the sea, giving the excuse of a shortage of time.

Held annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Shangri-La Dialogue is significant to security in the Asian-Pacific region, offering a good chance for regional countries to hold dialogues towards ensuring security and stability in the region.-VNA