BEIJING -- China is developing its own new type of helicopter, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed here on Thursday.

Geng Yansheng said at a monthly press briefing that development of helicopters meets the needs of economic and social development, and military construction as well as disaster relief and humanitarian rescue.

Geng made the remarks responding to a reporter's question on media reports that said a Chinese-made Zhi-20 (Z-20) helicopter completed a trial flight on Monday in northeastern China.