A Chinese defense spokesman on Tuesday urged Japan and the Philippines to immediately stop "illegal, infringing and provocative actions" after the two countries unilaterally announced in late May the launch of maritime delimitation talks in waters east of China's Taiwan island.
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at an online briefing.
Following the unilateral move by Japan and the Philippines, the China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan island in early June. The Ministry of Transport later carried out a special maritime traffic law enforcement operation in the area.
Zhang said the Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly made clear China's firm opposition to the two countries' unilateral move.
"We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately stop their illegal, infringing and provocative actions," he said.
If the two countries insist on going their own way, they will only invite the consequences of their actions, Zhang said, stressing that China will take firm and forceful measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
