China to US, PH, Japan: Stop playing bloc politics

CHINA called on the United States, Japan and the Philippines to abandon outdated political strategies, refrain from meddling in its domestic matters, and cease actions that could disrupt regional peace and stability, asserting its unwavering commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and maritime entitlements.

In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Saturday, Beijing criticized the three leaders for forming “exclusive alliances under the guise of cooperation, which it views as a continuation of Cold War-era politics.”

The statement accused the recent US-Japan-Philippines summit held at the White House of being a venue for “unfounded criticisms of China regarding Taiwan and maritime disputes,” actions that are a “direct interference in its internal affairs and a threat to its security and strategic interests.”

In a statement at the trilateral summit, the US reiterated its alliance commitments to both Japan and the Philippines and the three nations’ commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight as they expressed serious concerns over Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal (Ren’ai Jiao), and China’s dangerous and aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and called for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.

In response, China maintained indisputable sovereignty over the Pinnacles Islands (Diaoyu Dao), its affiliated islands and the “South China Sea Islands (Nanhai Zhudao).” “China’s activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea are lawful, justified and beyond reproach.”

China said it would “never accept the groundless accusations and malicious smears by relevant countries on the East China Sea and South China Sea issues and would never accept the illegal award of the South China Sea Arbitration or any unilateral action based on it.”

China expressed concern over “ongoing provocations in the South China Sea,” attributing these actions to “external influences” from countries like the US and Japan. It emphasized the need to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.

Furthermore, China called on the Philippines “to acknowledge the realities, adhere to mutual agreements made with China, and swiftly revert to resolving disputes through constructive dialogue and consultation.”

“The Philippine government has affirmed the one-China policy through the Joint Communiqué that marked the beginning of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, a policy upheld by subsequent administrations in the Philippines. China calls on the Philippines to sincerely adhere to the one-China principle and to exercise caution in its actions,” it said.

In a statement, DFA spokesman Teresita Daza called this claim “baseless and misleading.”