BEIJING, Aug. 1 -- Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan yesterday reiterated China's commitment to peaceful development, saying the country would never seek aggressive expansion.

    Cao made the pledge at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, during a reception held on the eve of the 78th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army.

    The reception was attended by more than 800 military leaders, government officials, veterans and military attaches of foreign embassies.

    "We will hold high the banner of peace, development and co-operation, steadfastly pursue our independent policy of peace and defence, and cultivate ties of friendship and co-operation with all peoples and their armed forces around the world on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence." Cao told the assembled dignitaries.

    China released its 2004 Defence White Paper in December, detailing its new security concept of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and co-ordination.

    China actively advocates and participates in regional security co-operative mechanisms in various forms, including co-operation in non-traditional security fields.

    In the past two years, most of the joint drills China joined, have been instigated by China, such as exercises in counter-terrorism, maritime search and rescue, combating piracy, and cracking down on drug production and trafficking.

    (Source: China Daily)