China slams 'irresponsible comments' on its Pacific ties

The United States should stop making "irresponsible comments" over ties between China and Pacific island countries, and instead make more concrete efforts to help the island countries' development and regional peace, Beijing said.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying urged the US to give up its Cold War mindset and zero-sum game mentality and take a fair view of China's ties with Pacific island countries.

Hua's remarks, part of a statement issued late on Tuesday, came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused China of "attempts to redraw the Pacific in its authoritarian image" on Monday during a visit to the Federated States of Micronesia.