China’s state media have warned the US against “flexing its muscles” after Washington unveiled a defence review switching focus to the Asia-Pacific.
In an editorial, official news agency Xinhua said President Barack Obama’s move to increase US presence in the region could come as a welcome boost to stability and prosperity.
But it said any US militarism could create ill will and “endanger peace”.
Mr Obama also plans $450bn (£290bn) in cuts to create a “leaner” military.
Thousands of troops are expected to be axed over the next decade under the far-reaching defence review.
The defence budget could also lose another $500bn at the end of this year after Congress failed to agree on deficit reduction following a debt-ceiling deal in August 2011.
