FM spokesman refutes Japanese concerns over maritime security

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Sunday rejected concerns raised by the Japanese side on the so-called maritime security and China's maritime activities.

Qin Gang made the remarks when asked by press ahead of the 21st informal economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the Indonesian resort island of Bali, slated for Monday and Tuesday.

During an informal breakfast meeting of foreign ministers from APEC's sovereign members on Saturday, Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida reportedly raised concerns over maritime security and China's maritime activities.

Qin said China's Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong responded at the scene that the APEC is an economic and trade cooperation forum, holding the tradition for many years of not introducing issues concerning political security and sensitive disputes.

An individual country made the hype solely for its own political objectives, which cannot be accepted by others and is doomed to fail, Qin quoted Li as saying.

Qin said there has been no problem with the freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region. The Chinese government always adheres to the position that the maritime security of all the countries should be safeguarded. China has vigorously participated in maritime security cooperation in the region, which is clear for all to see, he said.

The hype of the so-called maritime security issue is not conducive to the true efforts of safeguarding navigational freedom and security, Qin said.