MANILA, Philippines — China has always been a “staunch guardian” of international fairness and justice, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, belying accusations by many of its neighbors and the US of bullying and intimidation in disputed waters.
The US, however, said the threat posed by China needs to be taken seriously.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated that China adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries.
He said China also upholds the rule of law and joined almost all inter-governmental international organizations and international conventions.
“We oppose bullying and advocate dialogue instead of conflict, consultation instead of intimidation and win-win outcomes instead of zero-sum game. China has always been a staunch guardian of international fairness and justice,” Zhao said at a press conference on Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said the US strongly opposes China’s bullying and hopes other nations will hold them to account too.