Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized that Beijing firmly follows the path of peaceful development while maintaining a defensive national defense policy.

Mao also noted that China has no interest in competing with any country in military strength.

The spokeswoman urged the United States to respect the security concerns of other countries and stop undermining regional peace and stability.

Mao Ning also commented on the upcoming summit between the leaders of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, in which they will discuss strengthening security cooperation and other issues.

She stressed that cooperation among countries should contribute to regional peace and stability and expressed China’s opposition to forming exclusive factions and confrontation blocs in the region.

The spokeswoman also mentioned Beijing’s concern over reports on expanding the so-called trilateral security agreement (AUKUS) among the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

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