China is pursuing a path of peaceful development and an independent foreign policy of peace, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense said on Monday, stressing that China will never seek hegemony, or expand its sphere of influence. 

The answer came in response to claims that China is building stronger armed forces and is changing its defensive national defense policy.

The spokesperson added that China has cooperated with the armed forces of different foreign countries to jointly fight against threats and challenges and contribute to safeguarding world peace. 

The construction and development of China's national defense and armed forces pose no threat to any other country, the spokesperson added.

Speaking of China-U.S. military ties, the spokesperson said cooperation is the only right choice.

Hailing the relationship between the two armies as an important part of bilateral ties, the spokesperson said maintaining a healthy and stable development of the relationship between the two militaries is the general trend and the responsibility of the two armies. 

"We hope that the U.S., together with China, can earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, follow the spirit of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, strengthen dialogue and communication, expand pragmatic cooperation, properly manage differences, and promote Sino-U.S. military relations to move steadily forward," stressed the spokesperson.