China on Tuesday criticized a new maritime monitoring initiative launched by the United States, Japan, India and Australia in the Asia-Pacific region, saying that cooperation should not target third party or undermine trust and collaboration among regional nations.

Photo: CCTV

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks at a routine press briefing in Beijing in response to a question regarding the so-called Quad mechanism's latest actions.

"China has repeatedly clarified the position on the Quad mechanism," Mao Ning said. "We always believe that cooperation between countries should be conducive to promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity, and should not target any third party."

China opposes exclusive blocs and confrontation between different camps, she said.

"Any cooperation should not undermine the mutual trust and cooperation among countries in the region," Mao said.

(Compiled by intern Song Wanlin）