ANKARA

South Korea's top diplomat on Wednesday said his country's engagement with China aligns with US interests in many ways and no country in the region wants to see US-China strategic competition become a "zero-sum game."

Speaking at an event in capital Seoul, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said South Korea maintains high-profile relations with both countries, upholding a military alliance with Washington while maintaining its largest trade relationship with Beijing.

"It is no secret that countries in the region don't want to be in a position of having to choose between Washington and China," Yonhap news quoted Cho as saying, adding that South Korea is no exception.

"Nor do they want to see US-China strategic competition become a zero-sum game," he said, adding that "in many ways, I believe our engagement with China aligns with US interests."

The Donald Trump administration has ramped up its trade war with China, imposing hefty tariffs.

The response comes as China on Monday warned countries against striking a broader economic deal with the US at its expense.

The Commerce Ministry said it will firmly oppose any party striking a deal at China's expense and "will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner.”

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid