China urges Japan to stop meddling in China-Philippines maritime issues

Japan is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to intervene in China-Philippines maritime matters, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Japan said in a statement on Friday.

Japan's Foreign Ministry made accusations this week about China's recent actions towards Filipino vessels that intruded into waters near China's Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea on Monday.

"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 said.

The spokesperson stated that the Philippines was attempting to occupy China's Ren'ai Jiao by repeatedly shipping supplies to reinforce its "stranded" warship, and that the control measures taken by the China Coast Guard (CCG) were lawful, professional and restrained.

The statement noted that China will respond to the Philippines' infringing and provocative actions in accordance with the law and resolutely safeguard its sovereign rights and interests.

It reemphasized that China doesn't accept or acknowledge the South China Sea arbitration verdict as the tribunal violated the principle of "state consent," overstepped its authority, and seriously violated international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"We firmly oppose Japan using the illegal and invalid South China Sea arbitration to pressure China," said the spokesperson, adding "Japan's cooperation with the United States and the Philippines must not undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."