China was seriously concerned over reports that a US aircraft carrier might join a military exercise with the Republic of Korea (ROK), Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Tuesday.

The United States and the ROK reportedly decided to hold a military drill and the US side was considering sending an aircraft carrier to join the exercise in the Yellow Sea off the ROK's western coast, according to media reports. China was seriously concerned about relevant reports, and was closely following the development of the matter, Qin said at a regular news briefing.

"Under current situations, relevant parties should exercise restraint and refrain from doing things that may escalate tensions and harm the interests of the countries in the region," said Qin.