US, ROK delay naval drill in Yellow Sea

BEIJING - China has acknowledged reports that the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have cancelled a major joint military exercise on Tuesday, and Beijing officials are urging the relevant parties to work together to maintain regional peace and stability, according to a spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Defense officials in Seoul said earlier that, for now, the joint naval drills in the Yellow Sea area will not be held due to the G20 meeting in mid-November, out of fears they could heighten simmering tensions on the Korean Peninsula while irritating neighboring countries.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told a news conference on Tuesday that the Chinese side is asking "all relevant sides to join hands in maintaining the regional peace and stability".