The United States is the most warlike country in world history and has become the biggest threat to peace and development on the planet, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a briefing on Thursday.

“The facts have fully proven that the United States represents the greatest threat to world peace and development. We call on the relevant US intelligence official to correct their mentality, treat China's development objectively and rationally, stop spreading rumors and making irresponsible statements," the diplomat said.

He added that relevant US politicians constantly exaggerate the "Chinese threat", slander and attack China, and statements by US intelligence officials are full of ideological prejudice and deep-rooted Cold War and zero-sum mentality.

"The United States recently celebrated its 246th Independence Day, looking back over 240 years, of which the United States has not been at war for only 16 years, it is definitely the most warlike country in world history," he said.