China's takeover of the Gwadar port in Pakistan represents an economic maneuver that is in line with the interests of the two countries, a military spokesman said Thursday.

Pakistan handed the management of the port over to China Overseas Holdings Limited on Feb. 18, leading some foreign media to speculate that the port could be used by the Chinese military.

"These comments have distorted the facts and disturbed relations between China and surrounding countries," Ministry of National Defense spokesman Geng Yansheng said at a press briefing.

Luo Zhaohui, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also said the takeover has highlighted the progress made by both sides and will be conducive to building mutually beneficial cooperation.

"Chinese enterprises have contracted many other similar projects, such as the Karakoram Highway," Luo added. Enditem