Q: Indian media reports that Admiral Keating, the US Pacific Command Chief revealed to India during his visit there that a Chinese official had "proposed" to divide the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean between China and the US. That is, China should take charge of affairs in the West Pacific and the Indian Ocean, while the US should take charge of those in the Eastern Pacific. Do you have any comment?

A: China follows the path of peaceful development in an unswerving manner and pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and a national defense policy which is defensive in nature, China has always been a staunch force for world peace and regional stability. This position of the Chinese Government is consistent and clear. The Chinese side has not made and will never make the so-called "proposal" mentioned in the report. We have made clear this position to both the US and Indian side, urging the relevant parties not to believe such irresponsible remarks.