The real purpose of the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty is to seek unilateral military and strategic advantages, Geng Shuang, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry pointed out on Monday, despite U.S.'s statement which said it withdraws due to Russian violations.

The remarks come after the United States tested a modified Navy Tomahawk cruise missile off the coast of California last Sunday, within three weeks after it withdrew from the 1987 INF Treaty on August 2. 

Russia accused the U.S. of stoking military tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called for "a symmetrical response" after the missile test.

Geng warned that the missile test may lead to a new round of arms race, spark off escalated tension in the region and pose a negative impact on international security.

China urges the United States to abandon the zero-sum Cold War mentality and contribute to regional and international peace and stability.