China concerned over upcoming ROK-US military drills

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday voiced concern over upcoming military drills to be jointly held by the Republic of Korea and the United States. Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing, "We have noticed relevant reports and the recent reactions of relevant parties, and we are concerned about that." The Key Resolve and Foal Eagle war games are slated from late February to April, which the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has denounced as a rehearsal for a northward invasion. "It conforms to the common interests of all concerned parties to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Northeast Asian region, which is also a shared responsibility," Hua said. She called on all sides to help ease the situation on the peninsula and safeguard peace and stability in the region, and to avoid from action which could trigger tensions.