A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has reacted cautiously as Finland and Sweden appear set to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

At a news conference on Monday, Zhao Lijian said China hopes ''all parties will adhere to the principle of the indivisibility of security and respect for each other's legitimate concerns.'' He also said that Beijing wants to see ''a balanced, effective and sustainable structure of regional security'' established through dialogue and negotiation.

An NHK reporter in Beijing says Zhao in effect urged the world to consider Russia's long-held concerns over the eastward expansion of NATO.