China slams Shinzo Abe's 'groundless accusations'

BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday urged Japan to stop making "groundless accusations" against China and labelled Japan "a non-relevant party in the South China Sea issue."

During the G20 summit in Turkey on Nov. 15 and 16, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reportedly met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and British Prime Minister David Cameron, expressing concern about China's island building in the South China Sea and calling for their support in ensuring rule of law there.

"China is dissatisfied with the Japanese side's actions," Hong Lei said. "Japan should have been prudent with its words and actions, instead of hyping up the issue."

"Such an act is not in line with improving ties between China and Japan, nor is it conducive to regional peace and stability," Hong added.