World\Asia-Pacific

China opposed to action of others if they interfere

By Mo Jingxi | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2017-02-07 16:57

China is firmly opposed to activities of countries if they interfere with China's security interests, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Tuesday, after the United States proposed to send its newest and most technologically advanced warship to waters off the Korean Peninsula.

The Republic of Korea said on Monday that Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the US Pacific Command, had proposed that the destroyer USS Zumwalt be stationed at Jeju island or Jinhae, homes to ROK naval bases just off the southern tip of the peninsula, the Korean Herald newspaper reported.

The naval base on Jeju is one of the nearest large-scale foreign naval bases to China. "If the US officially makes a suggestion, we will conduct a review," ROK Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told a media briefing.

According to Moon, the proposal came in response to ROK lawmakers' request for a permanent stationing of US strategic assets during a meeting last month in Hawaii.

"We've noticed related reports," Lu said at a daily press conference in Beijing, "We will pay close attention to the interaction between any other countries, if it impacts on regional peace, security and stability."

He noted that the military cooperation of related countries should help to maintain regional peace and stability, instead of stimulating tensions in the region.

"If the interaction affects China's security interests, of course, we are firmly opposed to it," he said.