Surprisingly, Chinas testing of a stealth fighter has become a hot topic in some Western media. Some have expressed exaggerated concern over the normal practice of Chinas defence forces. Some even imagined a link between the test-flight and the visit of US Defence Secretary Robert Gates to Beijing this week. Such excessive concern is emblematic of the Western medias over-interpretation of even a routine event in China today. Given the Western dominance in international conversations, such unfriendly interpretations, if unchecked, could lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation of any move China takes. With Chinas comprehensive national strength growing, the rest of the world has an increasing interest in how the country will project its power regionally and internationally. Chinese leaders have reiterated on many occasions that the country sticks to the road of peaceful development and a national defence policy that is defensive in nature. As a country with a vast territory and the largest population in the world, China actually maintains only a moderately sized military. It does not seek hegemony, military expansion, or an arms race, nor does it pose a threat to any country. Given the countrys developing nation status, the modernisation of its army and weaponry lags far behind many Western powers. Judged in per capita terms, Chinas military expenditure is well behind many countries. Chinas international role as an important force helping safeguard world peace and stability has been widely recognised by the international community. Whenever there is a major confrontation or a danger of armed conflict, China upholds the banner of diplomacy and actively pushes for peaceful dialogue and negotiations to defuse the tension. Regrettably, due to their deep-rooted bias and paranoia towards China, some in the West have chosen to turn a blind eye to these facts and seize every opportunity to fan suspicion and even enmity against China. The buzz surrounding Chinas test-flight of the J-20 stealth fighter is a ready example of this unhealthy, outdated Western attitude. China has the right to develop weaponry to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Its military hardware development, which is not directed against any other country, is entitled to change with the times. It is absurd to associate the timing of Chinas test-flight of its stealth fighter with the visit of the US Defence Secretary. Chinas stealth fighter, still in the testing stage, is years away from those possessed by the US. It could not be intended as a show-off, let alone a show of force. Even if its seen in that way, it bore no comparison to last years frequent presence of US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in waters off Chinas eastern coast. China Daily