China expresses deep regret over US withdrawing from Treaty on Open Skies

BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- China expresses deep regret over the United States' decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies despite the opposition of the international community, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Friday.

Zhao made the remarks in response to a question concerning media reports that the United States Thursday said it would withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies.

The U.S. move is another negative manifestation of its adherence to the Cold War mentality, pursuing "American First" and unilateralism, and breaching of international commitments, Zhao told a press briefing.

"The U.S. move is not conducive to maintaining mutual military trust and transparency among countries in the region, maintaining security and stability in the region concerned, and will also have a negative impact on the international arms control and disarmament processes," he added.