Japan, Philippines 'stirring up trouble': FM

BEIJING - A spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry on Friday rebuffed Japanese and Philippine officials' comments about China's maritime operations, saying those officials are trying to stir up trouble and mislead international opinion.

"We are glad to see other countries develop normal and friendly relations, but we are opposed to relevant countries' moves to form factions, stir up trouble, deliberately play up tensions in the region and mislead international opinion," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press conference.

According to media reports, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and Philippine Navy Chief Jose Luis Alano said during a recent meeting that they are against so-called "unilateral action" that changes the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas. The officials also said China should abide by international law.

Hua said China should not be criticized for carrying out normal maritime activities according to international and domestic laws and regulations. She said China has always advocated and worked toward resolving territorial and maritime disputes through dialogues and negotiations and has firmly maintained regional peace and stability.

She expressed the hope that relevant parties will adopt a correct and sober view of the situation, adding that they should take more action conducive to enhancing political and security trust among countries in the region and to promoting regional peace and stability, instead of doing the opposite.