Context
China issued a defense white paper on Thursday in which it made it clear that its national defense policy is intended to resist and guard against aggression, ensure the safety of China’s lands, airspace, inland waters and territorial waters, and to safeguard its maritime interests and rights. The white paper, entitled “China’s National Defense in 2010,” outlined China’s policy of continuing to enhance naval power so as to strengthen national security. As many countries are looking to alter their atomic plans in the wake of Japan’s nuclear crisis, the white paper emphasized the peaceful use of atomic power, clarifying China’s aim to develop its atomic power industry.
