China's Foreign Ministry has taken a swipe at the so-called Quad group comprising Japan, the United States, Australia and India. It said countries should not form exclusionary blocs.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that China hopes the countries concerned will act to enhance the security and mutual trust among countries within a region, as well as maintain regional peace and stability.
Foreign ministers from the Quad nations held talks in India on Friday.
With China's increasing maritime activities in the East and South China seas in mind, the ministers reaffirmed the importance of complying with international law, and reiterated their strong objection to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo.