A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman on Wednesday criticized the United States' decision to strengthen its military alliance with Australia.

During US President Barack Obama's visit to Australia earlier this month, the two states agreed to increase joint military initiatives in order to enhance their alliance.

"Any consolidation or expansion of a military alliance that was forged in history is of the Cold-War model," said Spokesman Geng Yansheng at a monthly press briefing.

Moves that run contrast to the current trend of peace and cooperation are not helpful in building mutual trust and cooperation among regional countries and will damage their common interests, he said.

Any other military theory aimed at provoking confrontation and safeguarding one's security at the price of another's is also backward-thinking, he said.