ISTANBUL

China on Wednesday asked Japan to pursue “peaceful development” in the Pacific as it seeks to bolster security ties with the Philippines.

“We call on Japan to follow the path of peaceful development and act prudently,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference in Beijing.

His remarks came after Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday agreed to strengthen bilateral economic and defense cooperation during a meeting in Manila.

The two leaders vowed to oppose any attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas through “force” or “coercion.”

Both countries have separate territorial disputes with China -- Japan in the East China Sea, and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

“China has all alone believed that exchanges and cooperation between countries should not target any third party or harm their interests,” Guo said about yesterday’s meeting.

He said that due to Japanese aggression against China and the Philippines during World War II, Tokyo holds “serious historical responsibilities.”

“We oppose any moves that forge groupings and escalate tensions in the region,” Guo added, underscoring that China’s activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea “are legitimate, lawful and justified.”