Comments by Japan, other countries on military drills around Taiwan hypocritical: Chinese spokesman

The fact-distorting comments by Japan and some other countries regarding China's necessary moves to defend national sovereignty and justice are extremely hypocritical, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

According to media reports, Japan, Australia, institutions of the European Union and some European countries have expressed concerns over the military drills around the Taiwan Island.

At a regular press conference in Beijing, Li said that China firmly opposes this and has lodged stern representations.

"These countries and institutions have turned a deaf ear to Taiwan separatists' attempts to seek secession by force and have turned a blind eye to external interference in China's internal affairs, yet criticize China's necessary moves to defend national sovereignty and justice, calling white black and confounding right with wrong, which is extremely hypocritical. China firmly opposes this and has lodged stern representations," Lin said.

"Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affairs that brooks no external interference. The most fundamental status quo in the Taiwan Strait is that both sides of the Strait belong to one China. The biggest threats to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are Taiwan separatist activities and the indulgence and support of external forces," Lin said.

"The one-China principle is a prevailing consensus in the international community and a basic norm of international relations. It serves as the political foundation for the establishment and development of diplomatic ties between China and all other countries. Japan, Australia, and European countries made solemn political commitments in this regard when establishing those ties with China. We strongly urge the aforementioned countries and institutions to strictly abide by the one-China principle, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop condoning or supporting Taiwan separatist activities," he said.

Comments by Japan, other countries on military drills around Taiwan hypocritical: Chinese spokesman

Senior Thai diplomats stressed the importance of rebuilding trust and restoring peace with Cambodia at a press conference Tuesday in Bangkok, following a trilateral meeting hosted by China.

The meeting, held Monday in China's southwestern Yunnan Province, followed a ceasefire agreement reached over the weekend at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. The trilateral meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi serving as host.

Speaking to reporters, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized that Thai-Cambodian relations must develop at a pace that makes both sides comfortable.

"They cannot force the pace. We have to go at the pace that is comfortable to both countries and in the end it is about two countries sorting things out bilaterally," said Sihasak.

The meeting came at a crucial time as both countries observe the first 72 hours of the uneasy ceasefire. Thailand underlined its appreciation for China's neutral role in hosting the meeting, and acknowledged China's continued support, including monitoring the ceasefire and providing humanitarian demining assistance if needed.

"We think at the current moment we can manage to deal with the situation bilaterally. Should the need arise Thailand and Cambodia should consult each other first and then ask. China says it is ready to provide assistance, if needed," said Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Thai government also confirmed on Wednesday the repatriation of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers in line with a previously signed joint statement. The move is seen as an important step toward easing border tensions and fostering renewed dialogue between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

Thailand to continue talks with Cambodia after trilateral meeting in China