China to Japan: Stop making accusations on sea dispute

MANILA, Philippines - Beijing on Tuesday expressed its disappointment with Japan for expressing concerns over the latter's activities over the disputed South China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reportedly met with leaders from the European Union, the United Kingdom and Germany and expressed its concerns over the maritime dispute, citing that the rule of law should be upheld.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida also met with Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting and expressed the same sentiments over China's massive reclamation activities in the disputed sea.

"Japan is not a party concerned in the South China Sea issue. Instead of watching its words and deeds, Japan has been hyping up the South China Sea issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said in his regular press briefing.

Hong added that Japan's "relevant words" run against the momentum of improving the bilateral ties.

"We urge the Japanese side to stop making groundless accusations on the South China Sea issue, abide by the four political documents between China and Japan, implement the four-point principled agreement reached between the two sides last year, work with China towards the same direction, and ensure the continuous improvement of bilateral ties with concrete actions," the Chinese official said.

The Philippines has an ongoing case against China in connection to its massive claims over the South China.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations earlier sided with the Philippines on the said arbitrary case and issued its award on jurisdiction.

The Chinese side, however, maintained its position that it has indisputable sovereignty over the disputed sea and refused to participate in the proceedings of the tribunal.

RELATED: Analyst: Tribunal's initial ruling may invite others to challenge China