FM rejects Japan's concerns over maritime security

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman has rejected concerns raised by Japan over maritime security and China's maritime activities. Qin Gang made the remarks on Sunday in Bali.

During an informal breakfast meeting of foreign ministers from APEC's sovereign members on Saturday, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida reportedly raised concerns over maritime security and China's maritime activities.

Qin said Vice-Foreign Minister Li Baodong responded that APEC is an economic and trade cooperation forum, which has maintained a tradition for many years of not introducing issues concerning political security and sensitive disputes.

An individual country hyped the issue for its own political objectives, an act that cannot be accepted by others and is doomed to fail, Qin quoted Li as saying.

Qin said there has been no problem with freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region. The Chinese government always adheres to the position that the maritime security of all countries should be safeguarded. China has vigorously participated in maritime security cooperation in the region, which is clear for all to see, he said.

Hyping the so-called maritime security issue is not conducive to the true efforts of safeguarding navigational freedom and security, Qin said.

- Xinhua