BEIJING - China's defense expenditure as a percentage of GDP is lower than the world average, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

Since 2016, China's annual defense spending has maintained single-digit growth for nine years in a row, said Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, at a press conference.

China's defense expenditure as a share of GDP has been kept under 1.5 percent for many years, he added.

READ MORE: Spokesman: China's military budget transparent, reasonable

"Peace needs to be safeguarded with strength," Lou said.

China, with strong national defense capabilities, can better protect its sovereignty, security and development interests, and better perform its international responsibilities as a major country and safeguard world peace and stability, he said.

READ MORE: China's defense budget growth set to remain at 7.2 percent

China stands ready to work with other countries to make new and greater contributions to maintaining world peace and boosting common development, Lou said.