China reiterates stance on regional tensions

BEIJING - Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said Thursday that China is opposed against all moves that will escalate tensions in the region.

Yang made the remarks at a monthly news briefing in response to a question on a joint drill conducted by Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Marine Corps on the western Pacific island of Guam, aimed at strengthening their ability to defend remote islands from foreign assault.

"We have repeatedly made clear our stance on the fact that some countries often conduct all sorts of joint drills in the region," said the spokesman.

"We resolutely oppose all the moves that highlight agendas on military security and that will escalate tensions in the region," he said.

During the briefing, Yang also said China's armed forces have recently conducted some drills with a view to enhancing the ability of winning a local war in the information age.

"All the drills have reached our expectations," Yang said, stressing that the Chinese military is responsible for safeguarding the nation's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

"We will take due measures to faithfully fulfill our obligations as demanded by the state," he added.