China: Joint military exercises by the US, South Korea and Japan are the main reason for tensions on the Korean peninsula

According to China, the main reason behind the tensions on the Korean peninsula is the joint military exercises of the United States and its regional allies, namely South Korea and Japan.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks Monday as the navies of the three allies began their first anti-submarine drills in six months, ostensibly to increase their coordination against what they called mounting missile threats from North Korea strengthen.

Later in the day, China denounced the two-day exercises in the waters of the Sea of Japan as the main source of tensions on the Korean peninsula, stressing that Seoul, Washington and Tokyo should "end military pressure and create favorable conditions to de-escalate tensions and encourage dialogue." resume in the region"."The main reason for the recent flare-up of tensions on the Korean peninsula is the continuous military exercises by certain countries close to the peninsula. Relevant parties must stop military pressure and create favorable conditions for easing tensions and resuming dialogue," Mao said at a news conference.

The drills, involving the USS Nimitz and her strike group, are being conducted off Japan's southern island of Jeju in anticipation of North Korea's growing missile capabilities. Pyongyang's official news agency KCNA said in an editorial on Sunday that the north would respond to the joint drills."China always upholds the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula, denuclearization of the peninsula and establishment of a peace mechanism, and dialogue and consultation to solve the problems," the spokeswoman said.

Mao criticized the US and its regional allies, saying while joint military exercises with South Korea are still underway, exercises by the US, Japan and the South will follow.“A US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is still operating off the Korean peninsula. This is the main reason for the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. We hope that all parties can meet halfway, resolve each other's legitimate concerns in a balanced manner, and maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula," the spokeswoman for China's foreign ministry said.

The trilateral naval drills will be led by Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney, who commands Carrier Strike Group 11, according to a statement from South Korea's Defense Ministry."The anti-submarine drills will focus on enhancing countries' capabilities to detect, track, share intelligence and defeat the North's underwater threats," the statement said.The US has a permanent military presence in South Korea with about 28,500 troops at its bases across the country.

Pyongyang sees the presence of American forces in South Korea as a threat. She also sees the joint military exercises as evidence of an invasion of her territory. North Korea's ruler Kim Jong Un recently called on his military to be ready for war. North Korea last year declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power. The North's military conducted a target practice late last month simulating a nuclear attack using tactical ballistic missiles.