China flays US plans to ramp up missile defence against N Korea
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BEIJING (Reuters) - China said on Monday that US plans to bolster missile defences in response to provocations by North Korea would only intensify antagonism, and urged Washington to act prudently.
"The anti-missile issue has a direct bearing on global and regional balance and stability. It also concerns mutual strategic interests between countries," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily news briefing.
US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel announced plans last Friday to bolster US missile defences in response to "irresponsible and reckless provocations" by North Korea, which has threatened a preemptive nuclear strike against the United States.
Mr Hong said China believed efforts to increase security and resolve the problem of nuclear proliferation were best achieved through diplomatic means.
