China wary of new U.S.-Japan defense plans

BEIJING, April 28 (Yonhap) -- China said Tuesday a set of new U.S.-Japan defense guidelines should not undermine its security interests, keeping a wary eye on the strengthened military alliance between Washington and Tokyo.

In the face of an increasingly assertive China and nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, the U.S. and Japan revised their defense guidelines for the first time in nearly two decades. Under the new guidelines with the U.S., Japan can significantly expand its military role in Asia.

Asked about the newly-announced defense plans by the U.S. and Japan, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei replied, "We firmly believe that it should not damage interests of third-party countries, including China."

Hong said the U.S. informed China of the new defense plans with Japan before they were announced on Monday.

The revision, the first of its kind since 1997, comes as Japan and China have been engaged in a bitter territorial dispute over the East China Sea and North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.

Under the new guidelines, Japan will be able to intercept ballistic missiles headed to the United States, defend U.S. ships engaged in missile defense activities and provide logistical support to U.S. forces when they are engaged in armed conflict in areas beyond the region.

kdh@yna.co.kr
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