NATO's Turkey missile deployment 'inconducive' to peace

NATO's decision to deploy Patriot missile batteries in Turkey is "inconducive to peace, security and stability" in the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

"Highlighting military factors and strengthening military existence are inconducive to the resolution of contradictions and disputes, and inconducive to the peace, security and stability in the whole region," spokesman Hong Lei told reporters at a regular press conference, when asked to comment on the NATO decision.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Tuesday that NATO had decided to deploy Patriot missile batteries at Turkey's borders with Syria in order to augment Turkey's air defense capabilities.

Rasmussen said the missile deployment would be defensive only and would in no way support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation.

"We have noticed the situation," Hong said, emphasizing that China has always insisted on political resolution of tensions in Syria issue through dialogue and consultation.