Cold-War mentality, bloc confrontation unpopular in Asia-Pacific: FM spokesperson

BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Thursday said that the intention behind NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's recent China-related remarks is "alarming," adding that the Asia-Pacific region does not welcome a Cold-War mentality and bloc confrontation.

"While visiting the Republic of Korea and Japan, the NATO secretary general always refers to China, deliberately hyping up the so-called 'China threat' and sowing discord between countries in the region with ideological lines," spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing when asked to comment on Stoltenberg's remarks.

Mao said that China is committed to maintaining world peace and stability. It does not engage in geopolitical competition and has no intention to challenge or threaten any country.

Noting that peace, cooperation, stability, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific are the results of joint efforts of regional nations, Mao said that a Cold-War mentality and bloc confrontation are unpopular in the region.

"NATO should deeply reflect on the role it has played in European security," Mao said, adding that NATO has already disrupted Europe and should stop attempting to disrupt the Asia-Pacific region and the world.