China on Sunday reacted cautiously over a proposal by the Trump administration for a working-level quadrilateral meeting with India, Japan and Australia, saying Beijing hoped that it would not target or damage a “third party’s interest”.

The U.S. was looking at a “working-level” quadrilateral meeting and offer countries in the Indo-Pacific region an alternative to predatory financing or unsustainable debt, the State Department had said last month.

The proposal was, however, seen by China as an attempt to counter its influence in the region. Its Foreign Ministry hoped that such an arrangement would promote mutual trust among countries in the region and not harm its interest.

“China hopes the collaboration among relevant countries could comply with the trend of times, which refers to peace, development and cooperation and shared benefits, and also conform to the prospects of the regions and nations for common security and development,” the Ministry said in a written response to a query from PTI.

“We hope it would be beneficial for improving the mutual trust among countries and regions, at the same time safeguarding and promoting peace, tranquillity, and prosperity within the area, without targeting or damaging a third party’s interest,” it said.

The quadrilateral idea has drawn criticism from State-run Chinese media.