Military expands global role, Defense Ministry says

China will continue to fulfill its international duties and further strengthen its military relationships with other countries, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"China's growing effort in active and practical military diplomacy has become a unique way of fulfilling the national security strategy as well as supporting foreign and military strategies," ministry spokesman Wu Qian said in a news conference in Beijing.

In recent years, the Chinese military has become more open and active in international affairs, such as peacekeeping and escort operations, as well as humanitarian aid, he said.