国内英语新闻:China upholds peaceful negotiation in handling disputes: military official

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China always insists on resolving disputes through friendly negotiations with parties directly involved and will try its best to avoid unexpected conflicts, a senior Chinese military official said Saturday.

China has always advocated handling disputes through peaceful means and will not use force recklessly, even when it comes to issues related to territory and sovereignty, said vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong while addressing the sixth Xiangshan Forum.

Fan said China has settled land and border issues with a majority of neighboring countries through consultation. "China will never seek hegemony, expansion, or dominance in any region."

Peace, development and cooperation are still the main trends, and negotiation and dialogue are the consensus in the Asia-Pacific region, though land and sea disputes exist between some countries, the general said, adding the disputes should not become obstacles to regional exchange and cooperation.

"We need to effectively manage differences, earnestly implement the consensus on crisis management, make utmost efforts to avoid escalation of disputes, and create conditions for proper settlement of problems," Fan said.

China will actively participate in multilateral security cooperation dialogues in the region, including the Xiangshan Forum and Shangri-La Dialogue, he said.

The nation will also accelerate the formation of an 8,000-strong standby peace-keeping force.

Fan reiterated that the construction on the Nansha Islands serves mostly civilian purposes, which not only improves marine navigation but provides public services.