Korea expresses concern over South China Sea clashes... China responds, "Handle it yourselves"

Lim Suseok, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Expresses "Concerns Over South China Sea Clashes"
Chinese Foreign Ministry Urges "Do Not Place Unnecessary Burdens on China-Korea Relations"
Targets U.S. State Department with "Criticism of Baseless Attacks"

The South Korean government expressed concern over frequent clashes between China and the Philippines in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, to which China responded by criticizing, "Do not add unnecessary burdens to the relationship."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 12th, during a regular briefing, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "We have taken note of the relevant statements made by the spokesperson of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and express serious concern about them."

Spokesperson Wang stated, "South Korea is not a party to the South Sea (South China Sea) issue," adding, "In recent years, South Korea has changed its cautious neutral stance maintained over many years and has repeatedly criticized China on the South Sea issue. China has immediately protested and expressed opposition each time."

He continued, "We urge South Korea to manage its own affairs well, avoid being swept up in the atmosphere and making noise along, and refrain from adding unnecessary burdens to China-South Korea relations."

Earlier, Lim Soo-seok, spokesperson for the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 7th, "We deeply regret the dangerous situation arising from clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels," and explained the position, "We support peace and security, the maintenance of a rules-based order in the South China Sea, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the area in accordance with international law principles, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea."

Earlier, on the 5th, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement saying, "We stand with our ally the Philippines following provocative actions by China targeting the Philippines' lawful maritime activities in the South China Sea." The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated, "We oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and actions that escalate tensions in the South China Sea."

In response, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed, "The U.S. Department of State unjustifiably attacked and criticized China's legitimate and lawful actions to safeguard its rights," adding, "They frequently threaten China by invoking the 'U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty' and support the Philippines' rights violations and provocative acts, which China firmly opposes."