BEIJING China — A Foreign Ministry spokesperson has urged Japan not to weigh into territorial disputes in the South China Sea, labelling Japan a “non-party” in the matter.

Hong Lei made the comments at a media briefing on Friday responding to reporter’s question on Japan’s recent hyping up the South China Sea issue and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe more recently expressing “serious concern” over China’s construction activities on islands and reefs of Nansha Islands in the South China Sea.

“China has voiced strong concern and indignation over Japan’s negative moves, and has lodged solemn representations,” Hong said.

Clash of Titans: India’s ‘Act East’ Policy Meets China’s ‘Maritime Silk Road’ in the South China Sea http://t.co/EMIXDZaVjw by @GordonGChang

— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) June 12, 2015

“As a non-party to the South China Sea issue, Japan has been behaving very abnormally recently by deliberately interfering in the issue, stirring up dispute among regional countries and creating tension at sea.”

Read more: http://www.enca.com/world/china-indignant-over-japans-south-china-sea-medling