China responds to Japan-ROK intelligence-sharing pact

China on Wednesday urged Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to respect the security concerns of countries in the region when conducting military cooperation.

Officials from Japan and ROK signed the General Security of the Military Information Agreement on Wednesday in Seoul, ROK, which will allow the direct exchange of intelligence on nuclear and missile programs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said the move would exacerbate hostility on the Korean Peninsula.

Calling the pact a result of "cold war mentality," Geng said, "it will further aggravate hostility and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula and add new insecurity and instability in Northeast Asia."

It is against the trend of peaceful development of the times and the common interests of countries in the region, he said.

Given the complicated and sensitive situation on the Korean Peninsula, relevant countries should respect the security concerns of countries in the region and contribute more to peace and development, rather than the opposite, the spokesperson added.