China slams US, Japan, South Korea over interference in Taiwan, maritime affairs

Beijing, on Tuesday, rejected a joint statement issued by Seoul, Tokyo and Washington that made irresponsible remarks on issues related to Taiwan and the South China Sea, urging relevant countries to respect the one-China policy and stop hyping up tensions.

The statement, issued after a meeting among foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan and the United States in New York, mentioned "increasingly frequent destabilizing activities around Taiwan" and "unlawful maritime claims" in the South China Sea and "attempts to enforce such claims".

China strongly deplores and firmly rejects the statement, which interferes with China's internal affairs and smears China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular news briefing.

Guo noted that the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait comes from the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and external collusion and support.

He urged relevant countries to cease aiding and abetting "Taiwan independence" separatist activities in any form and refrain from sending any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Speaking on issue of the South China Sea, Guo stated that China will steadfastly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Furthermore, he reiterated Beijing's commitment to properly handling differences with the countries concerned through dialogue and consultation.

Relevant countries should respect regional countries' efforts to address issues through dialogue and consultation, uphold peace and stability, and stop hyping up tensions or stoking confrontation, he said.