War of words: China rebukes US and Japan over South China Sea as summit wraps up in Laos
Chinese deputy foreign chief Liu Zhenmin accuses the two allies of trying to drive splinter in Asean bloc by raising tribunal ruling
China lashed out at the United States and Japan on Thursday, accusing the two allies of trying to foment discord between Beijing and its Southeast Asian neighbours over lingering tensions in the South China Sea.
The accusation by Chinese vice foreign minister Liu Zhenmin came after the East Asia Summit in Vientiane ended without reprimanding China on its assertiveness in the waters, actions that have strained ties with its neighbours.
After the summit, Liu praised the 10-strong Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes four rival claimants, for showing restraint and willingness to find solutions to the disputes.
“A total of 16 out of 18 nations, including all Asean member nations, supported the joint efforts by China and Asean to push ahead with negotiations on the code of conduct on the South China Sea,” he said.
Only two nations mentioned the international arbitration ruling
“Only two nations mentioned the international arbitration ruling and insisted the ruling should be binding and implemented,” Liu said, without naming the US or Japan.
He was referring the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague’s dismissal in July of Beijing’s expansionist claims over much of the South China Sea.
