China strongly opposes U.S.-Philippines joint statement on South China Sea
Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday that China is seriously concerned about the joint statement by the United States and the Philippines on the South China Sea and strongly disagrees with it.
Mr. Wang made the remarks during a regular press briefing in response to a question on the matter.
Noting that China has indisputable sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea and adjacent waters, Wang said the joint statement by the United States and the Philippines distorts and discredits legitimate and legal law enforcement activities. shipping from the Chinese side and even made false accusations against China, adding that China firmly opposes it.
China stands ready to work with relevant countries to properly resolve maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation, while resolutely safeguarding its territory, sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Wang added.
“We would like to remind the concerned country in the region once again that bowing to forces outside the region will not bring greater security, but will cause tension, jeopardize regional peace and stability and ultimately turn against him,” the spokesperson noted.
