China says buildup is not a threat

HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- China's defense minister said in Vietnam Tuesday his country's defense development is not aimed at challenging or threatening anyone.

Defense Minister Liang Guanglie told a meeting in Hanoi that China seeks to ensure its own security and promote both international and regional peace and stability, China's official Xinhua news agency reported.

Liang said while security remains generally stable in the Asia-Pacific region, there are still many traditional and non-traditional challenges.

Among those non-traditional challenges he cited were tsunamis, earthquakes, typhoons and floods.

Liang said disasters pose grave challenges to security, economic growth and the livelihoods of citizens.

He spoke at the first ADMM-Plus summit that brought together officials from 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.

On Monday, Liang and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates discussed bilateral military ties.