China Urges Japan to Refrain from Interfering in China-Philippines Maritime Issues
China has called on Japan to stop intervening in maritime matters between China and the Philippines, asserting that Japan is not a party to the South China Sea disputes. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Japan made the statement on Friday, responding to recent accusations from Japan’s Foreign Ministry regarding China’s actions near Ren’ai Jiao in the South China Sea.
“Japan has no right to meddle in China-Philippines maritime issues,” the spokesperson said. “We express our strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the erroneous remarks made by the Japanese side, which manipulate facts and unjustly accuse China.”
The Chinese embassy highlighted that the Philippines has been attempting to occupy China’s Ren’ai Jiao by repeatedly sending supplies to reinforce a stranded warship. The spokesperson stated that the measures taken by the China Coast Guard were lawful, professional, and restrained.
“China will respond to the Philippines’ infringing and provocative actions in accordance with the law and will resolutely safeguard its sovereign rights and interests,” the statement added.
China reiterated its position of not recognizing the South China Sea arbitration ruling, stating that the tribunal violated the principle of “state consent” and overstepped its authority. “We firmly oppose Japan using the illegal and invalid South China Sea arbitration to pressure China,” the spokesperson said.
The statement warned that Japan’s cooperation with the United States and the Philippines should not undermine China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Reference(s):
China: Japan should stop meddling in China-Philippines maritime issues
cgtn.com
