The Ministry of National Defense of China invited foreign journalists to its monthly press conference for the first time on Thursday. Spokesman Geng Yansheng said eight foreign reporters were invited to the ministry's regular press conference on July 31.

China military watch

Geng welcomed the foreign reporters to the conference and said he hopes taking part will help them cover China's military news.

"I hope you will objectively introduce China and the Chinese military to the world," he said.

Geng also thanked all journalists at the conference, saying he looks forward to more cooperation with the media.