BEIJING: China warned against the bolstering of military power and urged caution yesterday after the US announced it would increase its missile defences in response to threats from North Korea.
“All measures seeking to increase military capacities will only intensify antagonism and will not help to solve the problem,” foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said when asked about the US plans announced last Friday.
“We hope that the relevant parties will adopt a responsible attitude and deal with this issue in a cautious manner,” he said, adding: “China has always sought to prevent missile proliferation.”
His remarks came days after US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel vowed to increase by almost half the number of interceptors stationed in Alaska, following Pyongyang’s threat of a “pre-emptive” nuclear attack against its arch-foe.
He also confirmed plans to increase missile defence facilities in Japan. China is North Korea’s sole major ally and main trading partner.
AFP
