LOC16:18
13:18 GMT
BEIJING, Sept 23 (KUNA) -- China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a joint statement by the United States, Japan and South Korea on Taiwan and maritime affairs, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a press briefing in response to the statement by the three countries, saying they had interfered in China's internal affairs, reported the Chinese News Agency (XINHUA).
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.
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. (end)
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