CN BEIJING China expressed firm opposition to recent smearing remarks and interference in China's internal affairs by Japan and the European Union, and urged them to abandon the zero-sum game mindset.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made remarks at a daily press briefing on Thursday in response to a question about a joint statement issued by Japan and the EU at a summit on Thursday, which expressed concerns about the situation of the Diaoyu Islands, East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Straits, as well as so-called human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
He said that Japan and the EU have hyped up China related issues, made smearing remarks against China, interfered in China's internal affairs and instigated regional confrontation. China is firmly opposed to such practices, and has lodged stern representation with relevant parties. The fact that the islands belong to China can never be altered, he said, because Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands have always been an inherent part of the Chinese territory.
Regarding maritime issues, Zhao said that China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is ready to settle differences with relevant countries via consultations.
He said that all issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang fall within China's internal affairs, which brooks no interference from any external forces.
We urge countries to focus on putting their own house in order. The development of China means important opportunities for the world, according to Zhao, who said China's economy has contributed 30 percent to world economic growth and China's achievements in COVID 19 response has helped stabilize the global supply chain. More than 180 countries and international organizations have benefitted from the Belt and Road Initiative.
The China threat theory has gone bankrupt in the face of facts, said the spokesperson.
In the face of challenges such as the resurgence of COVID 19 and lackluster economic recovery, Zhao asked Japan and the EU to abandon their ideological confrontation and practice real multilateralism in order to bring more positive energy into the world, because of the fact that the world needs unity and cooperation more than ever before.