Photo shows carrier-borne J-15 fighter jet on China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. Photo: mil. cnr.cn

China has rejected assertions that the development of its carrier-borne fighter jet J-15 copied US technology.

China's defense ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said at a press conference Thursday that China has stuck to independent innovation and has the capacity to build and develop its own aircraft carrier.

"The assertion that China copied a foreign country's aircraft carrier technology is unprofessional, if not an intentional attack," said Geng.

China successfully conducted its first landing of a J-15 on its aircraft carrier, Liaoning, on November 24.

A very transparent attitude was taken amid the landing exercises, said Geng, adding that China released the news in a timely manner.

Geng stressed that the country's move to build itself into a maritime power has nothing to do with seeking hegemony.

China wants to become a maritime power in order to enhance its capacity to exploit marine resources, develop the marine economy, safeguard the country's maritime rights and interests, and ensure a sustainable economic and social development, Geng said.

"China's stance of safeguarding the country's legitimate sovereign rights and interests should not be regarded as a hardline approach," he said.

According to Geng, China will resolutely protect its sovereignty, security and development interests and will never yield to any outside pressure.

Safeguarding the country's marine rights and interests is one of the military's important duties and

the army will well perform its duties under the country's deployment, he said.