China urges U.S. and its allies to stop distorting facts on maritime issues

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tuesday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a recent joint statement by the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, which pledged to intensify maritime defense cooperation targeting China.

When asked to comment on the joint statement released by the four countries' defense chiefs on May 31 during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the U.S. and its allies for "hyping up the so-called China threat" and "stoking confrontation" over issues related to the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

China has lodged serious diplomatic representations over the matter, Lin said at the regular press conference.

He stressed that bloc politics and group confrontation reflect a Cold War mentality that is outdated, runs counter to the prevailing trend of the times and is unwelcome in the region. Such actions, he said, will not solve any problems, nor will they intimidate China.

The spokesperson reiterated China's unwavering determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, calling for the U.S. and its allies to stop smearing China and misrepresenting facts.

"We urge the United States and its allies to cease forming exclusive cliques and interfering with efforts by regional countries to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation," Lin stated.

He also urged these countries to stop undermining the shared pursuit of peace and stability in the region.