According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on July 12, 2026, the head of the Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement regarding Japan's Foreign Minister's claim about the ten-year anniversary of the “South China Sea Arbitration Award”. Japan, in collaboration with other countries, issued a so-called joint statement and urgently met with the Chief Minister of Japan’s embassy in China to express strong dissatisfaction and protest. China pointed out that Japan bears historical responsibilities for issues related to the South China Sea and has not made any efforts to settle these issues. Therefore, Japan has no right to comment on such matters. Japan's malicious actions challenge the post-war international order and rule of law, practice double standards, spread rumors, undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, and go against the common interests and desires of regional countries. This has sparked strong indignation among the international community, including China, over Japan's historical acts of aggression and colonialism. China will resolutely and effectively counter Japan's provocations and firmly defend its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
China also raised strict objections regarding the Taiwan issue, Japanese chemical weapons, Japanese parliamentarians’ irresponsible comments on China’s national policies, and a series of negative developments in Japan’s military and security affairs.
