Zhang Deshun, who was till recently the deputy chief of staff of the PLA navy, said a naval force with advanced armaments and enhanced capabilities will contribute more to UN-led anti-terrorism, anti-piracy and disaster-relief missions.

    A larger navy with a greater reach does not mean it will seek to play the role of "world police", said the retired rear admiral, who is a deputy to the ongoing session of the National People's Congress.

    "The military's overseas missions, such as the anti-piracy operation, are authorized by the UN. They aim to protect merchant ships and aid vessels as well as their crews from pirates off the Somali coast."

    Last week, an international anti-piracy meeting proposed that the PLA navy escort UN humanitarian aid vessels to Somalia.