FM slams 3 countries’ ‘inappropriate’ statement

China's foreign minister on Tuesday condemned a statement on the South China Sea issue jointly released by the US, Japan and Australia, saying it is "inappropriate" and not conducive to regional peace and stability. The statement issued by the three countries on Monday said they strongly support the rule of law and called on China to abide by the arbitration tribunal's award. The statement said the ruling is final and legally binding. "From yesterday to today, what we can see is that countries in the region are determined to strengthen cooperation, hoping to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea. However, the statement is still creating tensions," Wang Yi said on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit Foreign Minister's Meeting. Wang said that the statement is very "inappropriate" and runs counter to the situation's development. "If the three [the US, Japan and Australia] truly wish for stability in the South China Sea, they should support China and the ASEAN in implementing the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, support the resolution of disputes through consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned. It is time to show who they really are, whether they are the peacekeepers or troublemakers," Wang said. US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Monday. The three ministers released the joint statement after their meeting. Meanwhile, another senior Chinese diplomat on Tuesday said he has confidence in the dialogue between China and the Philippines. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin confirmed to the Global Times on Tuesday that Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay has shown openness to talks. "He welcomed talks with China and said that he will make arrangements. It is a positive sign the Philippines, too, recognizes that negotiations are the right way to resolve disputes," Liu said. Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos has accepted his appointment as a special envoy to China after an arbitration tribunal ruled that China's claims within the nine-dash line are "baseless." China rejected the ruling and called it "null and void." Liu said China is waiting for further details from the Philippines, and aside from naming Ramos a special envoy, the Philippines probably has a lot of other things to do before bilateral talks can take place. "In fact, we are confident in talks between the two countries," Liu said. The 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings ended on Tuesday.