According to the Beijing Daily client, on July 22, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian hosted a regular press conference. A Reuters reporter asked that Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop stated in Manila that Australia believes China's missile tests in the Pacific have undermined regional stability. She also expressed serious concerns about recent incidents between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Bishop also mentioned her concern over certain aggressive actions in the South China Sea, stating that it is important for countries in the region to decide how to respond. What is China's response to this?
Lin Jian stated that China has clearly expressed its firm stance on the malicious attacks by Filipino personnel against Chinese law enforcement officers. Relevant countries ignore the fact of Filipino violations and provocations, and arbitrarily attack and accuse China. They continue to emphasize the illegal and invalid so-called 'South China Sea Arbitration Award'. China firmly opposes this.
He pointed out that, thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. The deliberate infringement and provocation by the Philippines are the root causes of the maritime tensions. The relevant countries are not parties to the South China Sea issue and have no right to intervene in maritime issues between the parties involved. Whether their purpose is to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, or to prevent any disturbance in the region, is already self-evident.
Lin Jian said that China advises relevant countries to stop creating tension and provoking confrontation, and to truly respect the efforts made by regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. China will continue to firmly safeguard its sovereignty and rights under the law, and will continue to negotiate with relevant parties to resolve maritime disputes. Together with ASEAN countries, China will fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Lin Jian also stated that regarding the related test firing activities, China has repeatedly clarified its position. These are routine military training activities of the Chinese army, and they are not targeted at any specific country or objective. Prior to these activities, notifications were given to countries including Australia, and such actions comply with international law and international practice.
According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on July 21, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Manila.
Wang Yi stated that under the joint leadership of the two leaders, China-Australia relations have embarked on a path of improvement and development. This is in line with the interests of the people of both countries and meets the expectations of the international community. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen exchanges with Australia, build mutual trust, expand cooperation, and promote continuous progress in China-Australia relations. Both sides should handle differences with an attitude of equality and respect, focus on commonalities and reconcile differences, so that bilateral relations can develop in a positive and upward direction, rather than being disrupted or damaged by certain prejudices. It is hoped that Australia will adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, abandon double standards, and move towards a better relationship with China, thereby maintaining the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations.
