China's President Xi Jinping has called on Asian countries to avoid strengthening military alliances with "third party" powers.
Addressing neighbouring countries at a summit, Mr Xi also said that issues and problems in the region should be resolved by Asians themselves.
His comments come as the United States seeks to increase its presence in Asia.
China is locked in disputes with several neighbours over claims in the South China Sea.
The Philippines, which has accused China of building an airstrip on a disputed reef, recently hosted President Barack Obama, who pledged "ironclad" support for the US ally.
Mr Obama also made stops in Malaysia, South Korea and Japan on his tour last month.
Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (Cica) on Wednesday, Mr Xi said: "Strengthening military alliances with a third party does not benefit the maintenance of regional security."
"Matters in Asia ultimately must be taken care of by Asians, Asia's problems ultimately must be resolved by Asians, and Asia's security ultimately must be protected by Asians," he said.
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