The United States President and Japanese Prime Minister held a significant meeting in Washington, where they expressed strong opposition to China's recent assertive actions in the South China Sea. This meeting comes at a time when China has been more aggressively pressing its territorial claims in the region. The South China Sea, claimed almost entirely by China, has been a point of contention since an international ruling in 2016 declared China's claims as having no legal basis.
China's insistence on its territorial rights extends beyond the South China Sea to Taiwan, which the Chinese government considers a part of its territory. Despite Taiwan being a self-ruled democracy, Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under control. The United States, lacking formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, remains its primary supplier of defense arms and actively supports Taiwan's participation in international forums.
The alliance between the US and Japan extends beyond Taiwan. Both nations have jointly condemned China's "provocative activities" in the South China Sea. The Philippines, also entangled in the territorial disputes, is bound to the US by a mutual defense pact. This relationship has led to tensions, with China deploying naval and coast guard vessels to prevent the Philippines from accessing strategically crucial reefs and islands.
In response to these actions, the US Secretary of State expressed "serious concern" over China's coercive maneuvers in both the South China Sea and Taiwan. Meanwhile, China has lodged stern representations against both the Philippines and the US for their actions, urging them to "clearly oppose Taiwan independence."
"The China-related content of the US-Japan joint statement blatantly interferes in China's internal affairs, attacks and smears China and exaggerates regional tensions."
- Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun
The joint statement released by the US and Japan was perceived by China as an "attack and smear," heightening diplomatic tensions.
"The China-related content of the US-Japan joint statement blatantly interferes in China's internal affairs, attacks and smears China and exaggerates regional tensions."
- Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun
"opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo (in the Taiwan Strait) by force or coercion."
- US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba
The statement underscored their shared stance against any unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through force or coercion.
"If the relevant countries really care about peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, they should abide by the one-China principle and clearly oppose Taiwan independence."
- Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun
China's foreign ministry reiterated its call for adherence to the one-China principle.
Leave a Reply