U.S. can't provoke Russia-China clash: Russian Foreign Ministry

Western countries led by the United States will not succeed in provoking a clash between Russia and China, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Friday.

Strengthening a comprehensive and mutual trust-based partnership and strategic interactions with China is a priority of Russian foreign policy, Zakharova said during online consultations between spokespersons of the Russian and Chinese foreign ministries.

"This policy has a stable and long-term character. It meets the tasks of strengthening good-neighborliness and ensuring the development of Russia and China," she said.

Zakharova made the remarks after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday called for creating a "new alliance" to counter China.

Asked if Russia could be coaxed "into the battle to be relentlessly candid about the Chinese Communist Party," Pompeo answered that he indeed saw such an opportunity.

Zakharova said it is very serious that such provocations by Western countries, primarily the United States, are taking place.

These statements go against international law and all the rules of diplomacy, she added.