The new Chinese ambassador to Manila declared that China has no ambition of invading other countries through military force,
In a discussion with media in Makati City over the weekend, Ambassador Ma Keqing said what her government wants is to protect China’s interest, and its borders and sovereignty with no ambition of invading other countries or interfering in their affairs.
The Chinese government‘s 2012 military budget of about $106.4 billion has been perceived as a move by Beijing to impose its might in the region raising concerns not only among neighboring Asian countries but even the United States.
However, Ambassador Ma clarified that China’s decision to increase its military budget is simply in accordance with the advancement of the country’s economy.
She also pointed out that a major part of China’s military budget has been used for the improvement of the well-being of the officers and members of the military including the increase in their wages.
Ambassador Ma also added that her country’s military budget is only 1.3 percent of the total budget. This is much lower compared than that of the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, India and Brazil.
