China slams US, Japan, ROK over interference in Taiwan, maritime affairs

China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a joint statement by the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Taiwan and maritime affairs, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to the statement by the three countries, saying they had interfered in China's internal affairs and sought to slander and defame China.

Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair that brooks no external interference, Guo added.

The greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at present is separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and the connivance and support from external forces, the spokesperson said, adding that to safeguard cross-Strait peace and stability, it is essential to adhere to the one-China principle and clearly oppose "Taiwan independence."

Guo added that relevant countries should abide by the one-China principle, stop conniving at "Taiwan independence" separatist activities in any form, and refrain from sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Noting that the current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, Guo said China has always firmly safeguarded its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, while committing itself to properly resolving differences with relevant parties through dialogue and consultation.

He stressed that relevant countries should respect the joint efforts of regional countries to resolve issues and maintain peace and stability through dialogue and consultation, and refrain from stoking tensions or provoking confrontation.