The Chinese side will watch closely any state-to-state interactions that may affect regional peace, security and stability, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said in a regular press conference on February 7, 2017.

His response came after reports saying that Commander of US Pacific Command Harry B. Harris Jr. has offered to deploy the USS Zumwalt at Jeju Island of the ROK. Analysts say it is aimed at cutting off China's passage to the Pacific. The ROK Defence Ministry spokesperson also said that Seoul will consider it if the US side makes an official proposal.

“We believe that military cooperation between relevant countries in the region should be conducive to regional peace and stability, rather than the opposite. We will definitely say no to the relevant interaction if it undermines China's security interests,” Lu said.