China is willing to work with South Pacific countries to make contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday.

File photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing when asked about reports that certain Pacific island countries have called for at least 24 hours' advance notice of any future missile tests.

Guo stressed that China has repeatedly stated its position regarding the test launch. "China is committed to the path of peaceful development, firmly pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and never engages in military expansion," he said.