In a strong statement released on Friday, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Japan demanded that Japan cease its involvement in the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
The spokesperson emphasized that Japan is not a party to the South China Sea issue and lacks the authority to intervene in matters concerning China's territorial waters and the Philippines' maritime activities. This statement comes in response to recent accusations made by Japan's Foreign Ministry regarding China's actions towards Filipino vessels.
Japan had criticized China's response to Filipino ships that were reported to have entered waters near China’s Ren'ai Jiao on Monday. The Chinese embassy spokesperson expressed strong dissatisfaction with Japan's remarks, labeling them as erroneous and manipulative. "We express our strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the fact that the Japanese side has once again made erroneous remarks on the South China Sea issue that manipulate right and wrong, and make unreasonable accusations against China," the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson further accused the Philippines of attempting to occupy Ren'ai Jiao by sending supplies to reinforce its stranded warship. According to the statement, the China Coast Guard's actions were lawful, professional, and restrained. China vowed to respond to what it described as the Philippines' infringing and provocative actions in accordance with the law, firmly safeguarding its sovereign rights and interests.
Additionally, China reiterated its stance against the South China Sea arbitration verdict, asserting that the tribunal violated the principle of \"state consent,\" overstepped its authority, and contravened international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The spokesperson concluded by opposing Japan's use of the South China Sea arbitration to pressure China. "Japan's cooperation with the United States and the Philippines must not undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the spokesperson added, highlighting the importance of respecting China's sovereignty in the region.
Reference(s):
China: Japan should stop meddling in China-Philippines maritime issues
cgtn.com
