Ministry criticizes Japan over South China Sea comments

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Friday said some people in Japan were "ignorant of the present state of affairs" for expressing concerns over moves by China and the Philippines to solve the South China Sea issue through bilateral dialogue and consultation.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Thursday that "the South China Sea is an extremely important issue that directly affects the peace and prosperity of the region", and Japan wants to work with other countries, including the Philippines to formulate a strong response, Japan's Nikkei Asian Review reported.

"To bring the South China Sea issue back to the track of bilateral dialogue and consultation, is in accordance with the fundamental and common interests of the two countries' peoples, and also benefiting regional peace and stability," Hua told a regular press conference in Beijing.

Hua also said that while some people in Japan always talk about regional peace and stability, they seem anxious that this might actually come true.

"We urge the Japanese side to immediately stop being mischief-makers among regional countries, and really play a constructive role for regional peace and stability," she said, noting that it is no secret that Japan spares no effort to interfere in the South China Sea issue.