China’s military told to be on ‘high alert’ as US, Japan and South Korea move closer
- PLA researchers warn the alliance will lead to more confrontation and undermine security in the region
- They also say the nations aim to set up a trilateral intelligence sharing network similar to the Five Eyes
China should be on “high alert” as the US, Japan and South Korea move closer militarily, the official PLA newspaper has warned, saying it would undermine security in the region.
It comes as the United States has been conducting more frequent drills with its two Asian partners and amid a push for more intelligence sharing between them, while Seoul and Tokyo seek to mend ties.
It pointed to recent military cooperation between the nations including drills, information sharing and joint weapons programmes, and their military expansion plans.
China’s military mouthpiece does not often call for the PLA to be on “high alert”, though it previously did so in response to the US intensifying military exercises with other countries in the region.
The latest warning came after the US, South Korea and Japan held anti-submarine drills in April, followed by joint naval missile defence exercises aimed at threats from North Korea.