FM: Japan has no rights to comment irresponsibly on S. China Sea issue

Chinese naval ships patrol the waters off the Qiongzhou Strait in South China, in this Sept 23, 2015 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Japan, as a non-relevant party, has no right to make irresponsible remarks on the sovereignty of the South China Sea islands, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said on Friday.

His remarks came after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reportedly said he is eager to take up the issue of China's island building activities in light of freedom of navigation and the compliance of the international law in the South China Sea during the coming G20 Summit.

The summit, scheduled for Nov. 15-16 in Antalya, Turkey, will gather leaders from the world's 20 largest economies.

"Japan is not a relevant party in the South China Sea issue," Hong said.

China took back the Nansha islands from Japanese occupation at the conclusion of World War II, in accordance with the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation.

Hong said China's construction on some of the garrisoned Nansha islands and reefs is well within China's sovereignty, not targeting or affecting any other country, and is beyond reproach.

"We urge countries outside the region to be prudent with their words, and respect regional countries' efforts of safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea." Hong said.