Stop meddling in South China Sea dispute, China tells Japan

China on Friday urged Japan not to weigh into territorial disputes in the South China Sea, labeling Japan a “non-party” in the matter at regular news conference.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hong Lei, responding to a reporter’s question on Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, expressing “serious concern” over China’s construction activities on islands and reefs of Nansha Islands in the South China Sea.

Hong said “China has voiced strong concern and indignation over Japan’s negative moves and has lodged solemn representations.”

“As a non-party to the South China Sea issue, Japan has been behaving very abnormally recently by deliberately interfering in the issue, stirring up dispute among regional countries and creating tension at sea.”

He said China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and its surrounding waters.

The spokesman said China’s construction activities on some garrisoned islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea were within its sovereignty.

“They are lawful, reasonable and justified. They do not affect or target any other countries and beyond reproach.”

“Japan’s move neither contributes to resolving the South China Sea disputes nor protecting peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

“It severely undermines security and political mutual trust between China and Japan and runs counter to improving bilateral ties,” he said.

Hong urged Japan to honor its commitment of not taking sides and respect the efforts of China and ASEAN countries to maintain peace in the South China Sea.

NAN