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The Defense Ministry on Wednesday criticized Washington's decision to build a de facto military base in Australia, warning it could harm the interests of all sides concerned.

Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng made the remarks at the ministry's monthly news conference when asked about a plan unveiled in mid-November by US President Barack Obama and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to base up to 2,500 US Marines in the northern Australian port of Darwin from mid-2012.

Obama announced the plan, which he said showed Washington's "commitment to the entire Asia-Pacific region", during his nine-day trip to the region that ended on Nov 19.

The move, however, drew concern from neighboring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

"Military alliances are a product of history. We believe any strengthening and expansion of military alliances is an expression of a Cold War mentality," Geng said.

"This is not in keeping with the spirit of peace, development and cooperation, and does not help to enhance mutual trust and cooperation between countries in the region, and could ultimately harm the common interests of all concerned," he said.

"We hope that the parties concerned will do more that is beneficial to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region, and not the contrary."

Geng also said that the notion raised by US and Australian officials of advancing "integrated air and sea combat" amounted to "trumpeting confrontation and sacrificing others' security for the sake of one's own security".

"To be honest, the theory of 'integrated air and sea combat' is not creative," he said.

Questions:

1. What is the name of Australia's prime minister?

2. Up to how many US marines will be based in Australia?

3. What port will they be based in?

Answers:

1. Julia Gillard.

2. 2,500.

3. Darwin.

（中国日报网英语点津 Rosy 编辑）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.