US, Japan ‘smeared, attacked’ China at summit: Beijing
China says the United States and Japan are after “smearing and attacking” Beijing given the recent announcement of enhanced defense collaboration between the two countries.
On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan met in Washington and unveiled the biggest upgrade since the 1960s in defense relations to restructure the US military command in Japan.
The objective is to enhance the ability of the US and Japanese forces in response to potential threats, notably a prospective Chinese incursion into Taiwan.
Citing issues ranging from Taiwan to maritime security, Beijing on Thursday accused both the countries of interfering in China’s internal affairs.
The United States and Japan, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, “smeared and attacked China on Taiwan and maritime issues, grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs, and seriously violated the basic norms governing international relations.”
She said China was “strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to this and has lodged solemn representations with relevant parties.”
“The US-Japan relationship should not target or harm other countries’ interests, and should not undermine regional peace and stability.”
China considers Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunited. Taiwan denies China’s claim of sovereignty.
“Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair.”
“We won’t allow any interference from any external force,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry official said.
Biden claimed the military enhancement in China's vicinity was solely for defensive purposes, yet the US president has been unequivocal about his intention to establish alliances in order to counter Beijing.
A statement released by the White House highlighted the mutual desire of the States and Japan to enhance their “command and control frameworks” in order to facilitate the smooth “integration of operations and capabilities.”
The US currently maintains a military presence of approximately 54,000 personnel in Japan.
However, these personnel are currently under the command of the Indo-Pacific Command, which is located in Hawaii, about 6,500 kilometers away.
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