Obama: will work with China but must protect US interests

WASHINGTON May 27 (Reuters) - The United States will work with China on issues of mutual concern but will not ignore China's military build-up as it ensures the national interests are protected, according to President Barack Obama's national security strategy unveiled on Thursday.

"We will monitor China's military modernization program and prepare accordingly to ensure that U.S. interests and allies, regionally and globally, are not negatively affected," noted the document, required by law of every U.S. president.

(Reporting by Alister Bull; Editing by )