China Calls on U.S. and Allies to Stop Distorting Facts on Maritime Disputes

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a recent joint statement made by the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. The statement, which was released following a meeting of defense chiefs during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, pledged to intensify maritime defense cooperation—an initiative that China asserts is deliberately targeting its interests.

When pressed for comment at a regular press conference in Beijing, Lin accused the U.S. and its allies of "hyping up the so-called China threat" and "stoking confrontation" surrounding sensitive issues in both the East China Sea and the South China Sea. He described these actions as "irresponsible" and asserted that such rhetoric contributes little toward resolving longstanding regional disputes.

According to Lin, China has issued serious diplomatic representations in response to the joint statement. He warned that the embrace of bloc politics and group confrontation signals an outdated Cold War mentality, running counter to current trends towards regional integration and cooperation. “Such moves are unwelcome in the region,” Lin stated, adding that they neither solve existing problems nor intimidate China.

Reiterating China's commitment to the protection of its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, the foreign ministry spokesperson called upon the United States and its allies to halt what he referred to as smearing campaigns against China and efforts to misrepresent facts about regional maritime disputes.

“We urge the United States and its allies to cease forming exclusive cliques and interfering with efforts by regional countries to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation,” Lin said. He stressed that peace and stability in the region should be achieved through direct negotiations among concerned parties, rather than external intervention or military posturing.

The spokesperson concluded by calling on all involved nations to avoid undermining the region’s shared pursuit of tranquility and development. As tensions continue to simmer in contested waters, China's official stance remains firmly opposed to foreign involvement in regional security matters.