China Slams US, South Korea, and Japan Summit Over Criticism, Accuses US of Cold War Mentality

China has lodged complaints over a joint statement released at a recent summit of the leaders of the United States, South Korea, and Japan, in which they criticized Beijing's aggressive behavior. The summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden at Camp David, aimed to establish closer security cooperation among the three countries.

In the joint statement, the leaders expressed opposition to China's behavior in maritime disputes in the East and South China Sea. In response, China accused the leaders of smearing and attacking China on issues related to Taiwan and maritime disputes, interfering in China's internal affairs, and intentionally sowing discord between China and its neighbors.

The Chinese government expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, lodging representations with relevant parties. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin emphasized that the summit and its associated statement were examples of attempts to revive Cold War mentality and incite division and confrontation.

Despite claims that the summit was not targeted at China, the leaders' statement referred to Beijing's militarization of small islands and reefs in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the issue of Taiwan, calling peace and stability on these matters vital for international security and prosperity.

In response to the statement, China's People's Liberation Army conducted air and sea drills around Taiwan, sending a stern warning following the visit of Taiwan's vice president to the United States. Wang Wenbin urged relevant countries to abide by the "One-China" principle, halt support for Taiwan independence movements, and take concrete actions to safeguard regional peace and stability.

He emphasized that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and called for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.