More US forces in Asia-Pacific 'inappropriate'

BEIJING - Deliberately highlighting the military and security agenda, deploying more military forces and strengthening military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region are inappropriate, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said Monday.

At an Asian security forum Shangri-La Dialogue, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reiterated the increased US involvement in the Asia-Pacific region, outlining US plans to deploy 60 percent of its navy ships in the Pacific.

Liu said at a daily press conference that seeking peace, pursuing cooperation and promoting development are the current trends and the predominant sentiment in the Asia-Pacific region. All parties should contribute to maintaining and promoting peace, stability and development in the region.

The spokesman said the Asia-Pacific region is where China and the United States have the most overlapping interests. China hopes the United States plays a constructive role in the region and respects the interests and concerns of all parties in the region, including China.

Liu called on the United States to work together with the countries in the region to seek common security through cooperation and build a more stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific region, which conforms to the interests of China and the United States and the expectations of other countries in the region.