China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has strongly refuted recent remarks made by the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK), accusing the trio of deliberately attacking and vilifying China during their trilateral meetings.
The defense ministers of the three nations convened in Singapore on Sunday, issuing a joint press statement that criticized China on matters concerning Taiwan, the South China Sea, and other regional issues. Similar sentiments were echoed during a vice foreign ministers dialogue held in Washington on Friday.
Mao Ning condemned the actions of the U.S., Japan, and the ROK, stating that they are promoting the “Indo-Pacific Strategy” through their meetings and interfering in China’s internal affairs, particularly regarding the Taiwan question. “Such moves seriously violate basic norms governing international relations. China strongly deplores and opposes this,” she asserted.
Emphasizing the one-China principle as a universal consensus and a fundamental norm in international relations, Mao stressed that the Taiwan question is an internal affair that permits no external interference. “The biggest threat to cross-strait peace now is the separatist activities of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and external connivance and support for them,” she warned. Mao called on relevant countries to uphold the one-China principle and unequivocally oppose separatist activities, supporting China’s reunification efforts.
Regarding maritime issues, Mao affirmed China’s commitment to defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. She criticized countries outside the region for meddling and escalating tensions in the South China Sea. “We firmly oppose countries outside the region meddling with and escalating the situation,” she stated, accusing the U.S. of inciting and supporting certain countries to provoke China and infringe upon its sovereignty.
On the Korean Peninsula issue, Mao highlighted the importance of advancing a political settlement that serves the common interests of all parties involved. She cautioned against relying on military deterrence and sanctions, which she believes will only intensify differences and heighten tensions. “We urge relevant parties to be prudent in words and deeds and refrain from fueling the tension in the Korean Peninsula, which is already highly complex and challenging,” she advised.
Mao concluded by urging the U.S. to act on its word of not seeking to strengthen alliances to target China. She emphasized that China will continue to handle affairs based on their merits and its own position, striving for stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Reference(s):
China: U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral meetings' remarks are vilification
cgtn.com
