China rebuked a joint statement by the United States and Japan condemning its activities in the South China Sea and expressing support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations. The statement, issued after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, heightened tensions in the region.
Beijing condemned the joint statement issued by the United States and Japan on Friday, February 8th, 2025, which criticized China's actions in the contested South China Sea . The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, characterized the statement as 'blatant interference in China's internal affairs,' alleging it 'attacks and smears China' and 'exaggerates regional tensions.
' The US-Japan statement, released after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, expressed opposition to China's 'unlawful maritime claims, militarization of reclaimed features, and threatening and provocative activities in the South China Sea.'Tensions in the South China Sea have been escalating in recent months, with China assertively pressing its territorial claims. Beijing has deployed navy and coast guard vessels to prevent the Philippines from accessing strategically important reefs and islands in the region. The Philippines and the United States are bound by a mutual defense pact, raising concerns that the US military could be drawn into a conflict. In January, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed 'serious concern' over China's 'coercive' actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan, highlighting the growing friction between the two superpowers.The joint statement also addressed the situation in Taiwan, supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations and opposing any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. This reaffirms the US commitment to Taiwan's security, despite lacking official diplomatic relations. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to claim it. The statement further emphasized the importance of upholding the 'one-China principle,' a stance that recognizes Beijing's sovereignty over Taiwan but allows for different interpretations regarding its implementation. However, this principle remains a point of contention, particularly considering the US commitment to Taiwan's defense
South China Sea US-Japan Relations China Taiwan Maritime Disputes Security Concerns
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