US report on 'China military threat' irresponsible and groundless: Foreign Ministry

The US should stop issuing irresponsible reports year after year and make real efforts to maintain the stable development of China-US relations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Saturday after the Pentagon claimed China's military might poses a threat to the US.

The Pentagon issued a statement on Thursday on its website, saying China's military has expanded its bomber operations in recent years while "likely training for strikes" against the United States and its allies.

"The report issued by the US is groundless and misinterpreted China's reasonable act to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests. China is strongly opposed to such actions," said Lu Kang.

China always adheres to the path to peaceful development with a defensive national policy, and it always contributes to world peace and stability, Lu said.

He said that China's military modernization is meant to strengthen its ability to defend its sovereignty and territory and to defend world peace, stability and prosperity.

We urge the US side to abandon its outdated Cold War and zero-sum game mentality. The US should look at China's military build up objectively. It should stop issuing irresponsible reports year on year and make real efforts to maintain the stable development of China-US relations and bilateral military ties, Lu added.