China calls on Japan to respect ‘peace efforts’ of Southeast Asian nations

ISTANBUL

China urged Japan on Monday to respect efforts by Southeast Asian nations to achieve peace and stability in the region.

“China believes that all cooperation should be conducive to deeper mutual trust between countries in the region and should not target any third party,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin when asked about the renewed cooperation of Tokyo with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The situation in the East and South China Seas is generally stable at the moment. We hope relevant countries will earnestly respect regional countries’ efforts to safeguard peace and stability,” Wang said, according to the ministry.

Beijing was commenting on an agreement between Japan and ASEAN on Sunday to deepen relations regarding security and economic issues.

At a summit in Tokyo over the weekend, Japanese and ASEAN leaders pledged to step up cooperation on maritime security, strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable energy practices and expand people-to-people exchanges in various sectors.

On tensions with the Philippines, Wang laid blame on Manila.

“Whatever smokescreen the Philippines uses and whatever blame game it plays, nothing will change facts,” he said.

“Twenty-four years ago, the Philippines promised to tow away the warship (BRP Sierra Madre​​​​​​​) illegally grounded at Ren’ai Jiao. Yet 24 years later, the warship is still there,” he recalled.

The two maritime neighbors have accused each other of heightening tensions amid overlapping claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Wang said the two sides had “agreed to manage the issue and thereby kept things stable at sea.”

“But the Philippines keeps sending government vessels and warships to Ren’ai Jiao to bring construction materials to reinforce the grounded warship. Hence, its tensions with China,” he said.

Beijing and Manila have conflicting claims over Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, Bai Co May and Ren'ai Jiao, which is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines, bolstered by foreign support, brushed aside China’s goodwill and restraint and challenged China’s principles and red line with repeated provocations. This is the big risk driving up tensions in the sea,” said Wang.

He added that China was “committed to peace and stability in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries.”

“That said, we will not weaken in our resolve to defend territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” said Wang.