The Chinese Defense Ministry has voiced opposition to joint military drills between the United States and South Korea.

Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng on Friday told a news conference that China is worried about such drills, urging relevant countries to refrain from pursuing acts that could raise tensions in the region.

The spokesman added that China is strongly opposed to any foreign warships or military aircraft conducting acts that affect China's security interests.

China's Foreign Ministry has voiced opposition on the matter multiple times, but it is rare for the Defense Ministry to do so.

Seoul and Washington conducted naval drills for four days in the East Sea this week and plan to hold joint military drills once a month until the end of this year.