China has also singed guiding principles on solving border issues with India and a Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea with countries bordering the South China Sea. China has also reach principled consensus with Japan on the East China Sea issue.

In addition, Chinese border and coastal defense departments have held border and maritime exercises with neighboring countries, conducted joint patrol of the China-Vietnam Beibu Gulf and joint fisheries enforcement between China and the United States. Furthermore, China initiated a joint scientific expedition with Vietnam and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Chinese border and coastal defense departments have strengthened control of key places along borders to ensure security and stability in border areas.

Since 1994, Chinese ships were dispatched on more than 4,400 sorties and Chinese aircraft have flown more than 3,700 sorties to patrol and aid.

China has the world's most land-based neighbors, the longest border and most complex condition of the boundary. China has a land border of over 22,000 kilometers, bordering 14 countries and the length of coastline totals 18,000 kilometers, with 8 countries adjacent or opposite each other.

By People's Daily Online

13:30, February 02, 2010