China Urges Japan to Respect ASEAN Peace Efforts in the Region

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin held a press conference in Beijing, China on Tuesday (5/12/2023). (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - China urges Japan to respect the efforts of Southeast Asian countries in achieving peace and stability in the region.

“China believes that all cooperation should be conducive to strengthening mutual trust between countries in the region and should not target any third party,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said when asked about Tokyo's renewed cooperation with the Association of Nations. Southeast Asian or ASEAN nations.

“The situation in the East and South China Seas is currently generally stable. "We hope that relevant countries will sincerely respect the efforts of countries in the region to maintain peace and stability," said Wang, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, quoted via Antara.

This statement was made by Beijing commenting on the agreement between Japan and ASEAN last weekend to deepen relations between the two parties on security and economic issues.

At a summit in Tokyo last weekend, ASEAN and Japanese leaders pledged to increase cooperation in maritime security, strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable energy practices and expand people-to-people exchanges in various sectors.

Regarding tensions with the Philippines, Wang blamed Manila.

“Whatever tricks the Philippines uses and blame games they play, nothing can change the facts,” he said.

“Twenty-four years ago, the Philippines promised to withdraw the warship (BRP Sierra Madre) that was illegally stationed in Ren'ai Jiao. However, 24 years later, the warship is still there," he said.

The two maritime neighbors have accused each other of escalating tensions, amid overlapping claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Wang said that Beijing and Manila had “agreed to address this issue and thereby maintain stability at sea.”

"However, the Philippines continues to send its warships and government vessels to Ren'ai Jiao to deliver construction materials to repair the wreck of the sunken warship," he said.

Beijing and Manila have conflicting claims to Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, Bai Co May and Ren'ai Jiao, which is a sunken coral reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines, backed by foreign support, overrode China's goodwill and patience, and challenged China's principles and red lines with repeated provocations. "This is a big risk that increases tensions at sea," Wang said.

He added that China is committed to peace and stability in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries.

"Nevertheless, we will not weaken our resolve to defend territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Wang said.