Foreign reporters have been allowed for the first time to attend the China's Defense Ministry's monthly news briefing on Thursday.

Permitting foreign journalsts and reporters in the briefing is a small milestone for China's military to project a more transparent image to the public.

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Several years ago, foreign press members find it difficult to get a connection inside the Defense Ministry. Members of the foreign press' phone numbers that are based in China were barred, which makes it almost impossible to access military news.

However, allowing members of the foreign media is not without limitations. Chinese officers were appointed to oversee the briefings and are still subject to invitations.

Still, the access of foreign journalist, though limited, reflects the desire of the Chinese military to alleviate foreigners' concern over military-related issues. These include the establishments fast-expanding budget, improving hardware and China's growing determination to assert itself in its territorial claims and interests.

The Defense Ministry invited news reporters from different foreign news agencies. The reporters will attend a six-month trial period for the conference. Military official can also decide to invite the reporters for subsequent meetings.

Chief Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng hopes that their decision to 'open up' would help convey a better and a more objective understanding when it comes to China's military.

During the 90-minute session, Geng answered a total of 18 questions on varied topics including the ones related to the ruling of the Communist Party against corruption.

Questions that were raised include the prosecution of senior generals who were accused of corruption, widespread of flight delays and cancellations, and recruitment strategies of China's ongoing military exercises.

However, Geng did not reveal results of the investigations which involve two senior Chinese officials.

Chinese government is also into working their civil aviation regulator in order to reduce civilian flight disruption but gave no further details.

China is now taking part in a number of joint drills during the year and for the first time they will be joining the world's largest international naval exercises known to be the Rim of the Pacific hosted by the U.S.

TagsFoeign Press in china, news briefing, Geng Yansheng