China expresses serious concern over U.S.-Japan-ROK joint statement

China on Monday expressed serious concern over a joint statement issued by the U.S., Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) about the Taiwan question and South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing that China firmly opposes these countries forming exclusive blocs in the name of cooperation, interfering in China's internal affairs, smearing China, and inciting confrontation and antagonism.

The situation in the South China Sea is stable. China has always firmly defended its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is committed to handling differences with the countries concerned through dialogue and consultation, Mao said.

Several countries outside the region have flexed their muscles in the South China Sea and provoked confrontation, which is not conducive to the area's peace and stability, she added.

Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China that brooks no interference by any external forces, the spokesperson stressed, adding the key to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits lies in adhering to the one-China principle and resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence."

Noting the Asia-Pacific region is a promising area for peace and development rather than a chessboard for major-country rivalry, Mao urged the three countries to respect regional efforts to safeguard peace and stability, abandon the Cold War mentality and stop stoking confrontation to aggravate tensions in the region.