BEIJING - A spokesman for China's Defense Ministry said?in Beijing on?Thursday that relevant countries intentionally strengthened military alliances by holding joint military exercises, which went against regional peace and stability.

Spokesman Geng Yansheng made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on the military exercises recently conducted by the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Forces from the ROK and the US held joint drills in the Yellow Sea from June 23 to 25, days after military exercises conducted by the US, Japan and the ROK near waters south of the Korean Peninsula.

Geng said these actions did not conform with the trends of the times, namely peace, development and cooperation.

"Maintaining the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula is in the common interests of all relevant parties," he added.