MANILA, Philippines—China has maintained that it is not bullying small countries contrary to the claims of the Philippine government amid the maritime dispute at the West Philippine Sea.
“China always maintains that all countries, regardless of the size, are equal. We are against the bullying of small countries by big countries,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a press briefing posted Thursday on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website of China.
Hua issued the statement after the Philippines and the US government issued a joint statement urging China to stop activities that could worsen tensions at the disputed waters.
“We have made clear our principled positions many times. It is our long-standing position that disputes on territory and maritime rights and interests should be resolved in peaceful means through dialogue and consultation between countries concerned,” the Chinese official said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has decried China’s “massive” reclamation at the Kagitingan Reef and has repeatedly called for China to participate in talks to settle the tension at the West Philippine Sea.
But the Philippine government’s remarks fell on deaf ears and instead China hit the US government for meddling on the issue.
“Countries that are not a party to the disputes shall uphold an objective and fair position, say more things that will help build mutual trust and cooperation, do more things that will truly safeguard peace and stability of the region, and make less inflammatory remarks that may stir up trouble,” Hua said.
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