BEIJIGN, June 29 – "Countries in the East China Sea and South China Sea should refrain from bringing harm to themselves while taking risks for others," said a Chinese defense spokesperson at a regular press conference on Thursday.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when asked to comment on the trilateral security meeting among the US, Japan and the Philippines, which discussed regional security challenges in the East China Sea and South China Sea and vowed to carry out regular joint exercises in the latter region.
Snr. Col. Zhang stated that, it is China’s consistent stance that bilateral and multilateral security cooperation must be conducive to regional peace and stability and should not target a third party or harm a third party's interests. "At present, the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea is generally stable, but certain country out of the region, for its selfish interests, has been busy muddying the waters through military provocation and bloc confrontation, which has exacerbated regional tension," said Snr. Col. Zhang.
"China is a staunch defender and builder of international rule of law at sea. China has been committed to properly resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation. We urge relevant countries to stop harming China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and stop saying or doing anything that would further complicate the situation," said the spokesperson. The Chinese military will watch closely for any change in the situation and take resolute and strong measures to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, he added.
