Photo: CFP

 
In response to media inquiries about the meetings and joint statements issued by the defense ministers of the US, Japan, and Australia, as well as the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines during the Shangri-La Dialogue—claiming "serious concern about China's destabilizing actions in the East China Sea (ECS) and the South China Sea (SCS) and any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion"—Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Tuesday that the US, in collusion with Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, had been hyping up the so-called "China threat" at the Shangri-La Dialogue, using issues related to the East China Sea and South China Sea to sow discord and incite confrontation among regional countries. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to such actions, and has lodged solemn representations.

Lin noted that engaging in bloc politics and camp-based confrontation is a Cold War mentality that runs counter to the trend of the times, is unwelcome in the region, solves no problems, and certainly will not intimidate China. Lin reaffirmed that China's determination and will to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests remain unwavering. Lin urged the US and its allies to stop smearing and distorting facts on maritime issues, stop making false counteraccusations, stop forming exclusive cliques, and stop undermining the efforts by relevant parties to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.