Continuing its criticism of the US-led Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, better known as Quad, Beijing has said it was opposed to any efforts to sow discord between regional countries and China.

“We all know what kind of mechanism the Quad is. China opposes certain countries' efforts to form an exclusive clique, portray China as a challenge, and sow discord between regional countries and China,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters in Beijing.

 Asked about Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen ‘regretting’ Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming’s warning to Dhaka not to associate with Quad, the spokesman said; “I can tell you clearly that China and Bangladesh are very friendly close neighbors.”

The two countries have grown their ties based on the “principles of peaceful coexistence”.

“We always treat each other with mutual respect and firmly support one another on issues bearing on respective core interests and major concerns.”

Jiming at an event in Dhaka on Monday described  Quad as “anti-China” and warned Bangladesh against any form of participation in the group.

Momen responded to Jiming’s remarks on Tuesday, saying that Bangladesh will take a decision based on "neutral and balanced" foreign policy.

First established in 2007, Quad is an informal strategic dialogue established between the US, Japan, Australia and India. The initiative is widely regarded as a response to the growing economic and military power of China.

 (SAM)