BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing on Wednesday that relevant countries are not parties in the South China Sea, and are in no position to interfere in the maritime issues between countries concerned.
Lin made the comment in response to a query about Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong's recent remarks concerning the South China Sea.
Lin said China has made its position clear on the Philippine personnel's malicious attack on Chinese law enforcement personnel.
Relevant countries turned a blind eye to the sheer facts of the Philippines' infringement activities and provocations, made groundless accusations against China, and rehashed the "South China Sea arbitration award," which is illegal, null and void. China firmly opposes such actions, he said.
With the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, Lin said, adding that the root cause of the tension at sea lies with the deliberate infringement activities and provocation of the Philippines.
"Relevant countries are not parties in the South China Sea, and are in no position to interfere in the maritime issues between countries concerned," he noted.
"Apparently, whenever something happens at sea, the same few countries immediately point their fingers at China regardless of who exactly is at fault," Lin said. "Are they trying to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable, or simply to destabilize? I think the answer is quite clear," he added.
"We urge relevant countries to stop hyping up tensions and sowing confrontation, and earnestly respect regional countries' effort for peace and stability in the South China Sea," he said.
China will continue firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, rights and interests in accordance with the law, properly handling maritime disputes with parties concerned through dialogue and consultation, working with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and moving forward consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea so as to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, Lin said.
On the test launch, China has made clear its position more than once, Lin said, adding that the launch is a routine training activity of China's military.
"It is not directed at any specific country or target. The Chinese side had notified relevant countries including Australia beforehand, as is consistent with international law and customary international practice," he said. ■
