China's defense ministry has expressed strong criticism towards the United States and accused it of continued meddling in the Asia Pacific region. The ministry claims that the US maintains a Cold War mindset and is working to strengthen its Asia-Pacific deployments for its own selfish gains and to maintain its hegemony. The comments come following high-level talks last week between top US General Charles Brown and his Chinese counterpart, General Liu Zhenli, aimed at restoring military ties.

The talks had been seen as a positive step towards preventing miscalculation and misunderstanding, but the Chinese defense ministry spokesperson, Wu Qian, took a hawkish tone at the year's last regular press conference. The ministry has also accused the US of interfering in Taiwan affairs, warning against selling arms to the island democracy and urged the US to stop arming Taiwan under any excuses or by any means.

Furthermore, the US has been blamed for rising tension in the South China Sea, following recent skirmishes between China and the Philippines around the Spratly islands. The Chinese defense ministry accused the US of backing Manila in its maritime disputes with China, while a Philippine military spokesperson rebutted China's accusation that the Philippines was provoking conflict in the region. The Chinese defense ministry's comments signify ongoing tensions and disputes between the two superpowers and reflect the broader geopolitical challenges in the region.