The Chinese foreign ministry has sharply criticized recent remarks made by the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) during their trilateral meetings, accusing the three nations of deliberately attacking and defaming China.
During a trilateral meeting of defense ministers held in Singapore on Sunday, the U.S., Japan, and the ROK issued a joint press statement that criticized China on issues concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea. Similar criticisms were echoed at a vice foreign ministers dialogue in Washington on Friday.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, responded by stating that the trilateral meetings are advancing the \"Indo-Pacific Strategy,\" which he claims grossly interferes in China's internal affairs related to Taiwan. He accused the three countries of deliberately attacking China on maritime issues and sowing discord between China and its neighboring nations.
\"Such moves seriously violate basic norms governing international relations. China strongly deplores and opposes this,\" Mao declared. He emphasized that China firmly opposes bloc politics and exclusive groupings in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mao also called on the United States to honor its commitment of not strengthening alliances to target China, urging it to cease seeking selfish gains at the expense of the security and well-being of countries in the Asia-Pacific.
Highlighting the importance of the one-China principle, Mao stated that it is a universal consensus within the international community and a fundamental norm in international relations. He reiterated that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China that does not tolerate external interference. \"The biggest threat to cross-Straits peace now is the separatist activities of 'Taiwan independence' forces and external connivance and support for them,\" he added.
Mao assured that China will always defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. He affirmed China's commitment to resolving bilateral maritime issues through dialogue and consultation, firmly opposing any outside meddling that escalates tensions.
Criticizing the U.S., Mao accused it of inciting and supporting certain countries to provoke China and infringe upon its sovereignty and maritime rights. He pointed out that the U.S. frequently conducts joint military exercises and reconnaissance operations with its allies in waters close to China, including the South China Sea, to flex its muscles and heighten regional tensions. Mao noted, \"This has become the biggest threat and challenge to regional peace and stability.\"
On the issue of the Korean Peninsula, Mao emphasized that advancing a political settlement serves the common interests of all parties involved. He warned that resorting to military deterrence and imposing sanctions and pressure would only exacerbate differences and heighten tensions. Mao urged relevant parties to exercise prudence in their actions and refrain from fueling tensions in the already complex and challenging environment of the Korean Peninsula.
Reference(s):
China: U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral meetings' remarks are vilification
cgtn.com
