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China has firmly asserted that Japan has no right to interfere in the ongoing maritime disputes between China and the Philippines, according to a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Japan. The statement comes in response to recent comments from Japanese officials regarding the South China Sea issue, which have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing for what it perceives as unwarranted meddling in matters outside Japan’s jurisdiction.
The Chinese Embassy’s statement underscores China’s stance that the maritime issues in the South China Sea, including those involving the Philippines, are regional matters that should be resolved directly between the parties concerned. Beijing argues that outside interference, particularly from non-regional countries like Japan, only complicates the situation and escalates tensions unnecessarily. The Chinese Embassy stressed that Japan’s comments not only disregard the complexities of the issue but also infringe upon China’s sovereign rights and interests.
The South China Sea, a crucial maritime area rich in natural resources and vital shipping lanes, has long been a point of contention involving multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. China claims a large portion of the South China Sea, asserting historical rights over the region, which has led to disputes with other nations claiming parts of the sea. The Philippines, in particular, has been in a long-standing conflict with China over areas such as the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.
Japan’s involvement, as seen through its recent comments on the matter, is perceived by China as an attempt to interfere in regional affairs and align with countries that oppose China’s maritime claims. The Chinese Embassy’s statement highlighted that Japan, as a country outside the immediate region, lacks the historical context and legal standing to intervene in the maritime disputes of the South China Sea. Beijing reiterated that the issue should be resolved through bilateral negotiations and dialogue between the directly involved parties, without external influence.
The Chinese Embassy also criticized Japan for what it sees as a hypocritical stance, pointing out that Japan has unresolved maritime issues and should focus on addressing those rather than involving itself in the South China Sea disputes. The statement emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability and fostering mutual trust through direct and peaceful negotiations, free from outside interference.