China has strongly responded to recent comments from the United States, Japan and the Philippines on several sensitive geopolitical issues, including Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea, Russia’s visit to Iturup Island and the treatment of Filipino nationals in China.

The remarks were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press conference, where Beijing also outlined preparations for the upcoming APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in Dalian.

China Rejects U.S. Criticism Over Huangyan Dao

China strongly rejected a U.S. State Department statement opposing Beijing’s establishment of a national nature reserve at Huangyan Dao and its position regarding access for Filipino fishermen.

The United States had argued that the move could restrict Filipino fishermen from accessing what it described as their traditional fishing grounds, citing the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award.

Responding to the statement, Guo Jiakun said Huangyan Dao has always been part of China and argued that establishing and administering a national nature reserve falls within China’s sovereign rights.

Guo said the United States was “in no position to point fingers” and rejected the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, describing it as illegal, null and void.

China also argued that the award does not provide a legitimate basis for Washington to speak on behalf of the Philippines.

Beijing urged the United States to stop what it called attempts to increase tensions and encourage confrontation in the South China Sea. China also called on Washington to stop citing the arbitration ruling and to stop using maritime issues as a means to criticize China.

The issue remains part of the broader strategic competition between China, the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea.

China Prepares for Major APEC Meeting in Dalian

China also provided details about preparations for the third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and related meetings, which will take place in Dalian, Liaoning Province, from August 17 to 28.

As the host of APEC in 2026, China said the upcoming meeting will be the largest in terms of the number of participants and events.

According to Guo Jiakun, nearly 130 meetings and events are expected to take place. These will include the third Senior Officials’ Plenary Meeting, committee meetings, working group meetings, workshops and other related activities.

The discussions will cover a wide range of sectors, including trade, transportation, food, customs, technology, energy, health, disaster reduction and anti-corruption.

China expects more than 2,300 representatives to participate, including officials and representatives from APEC member economies, the APEC Secretariat, the APEC Business Advisory Council and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.

Beijing said the meetings are expected to produce further outcomes under the APEC framework and help lay the groundwork for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November.

China also highlighted Dalian as an important gateway to understanding the country’s opening-up and development in Northeast China. Guo described the city as having a strong industrial base, business-friendly environment, geographical advantages and a liveable environment.

China also welcomed international media to cover the meetings and continue following what Beijing calls the “APEC China Year.”

China Comments on Putin’s Iturup Visit

China was also asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Etorofu, known as Iturup in Russia, one of the four islands that Japan calls the Northern Territories and Russia considers part of the southern Kuril Islands.

Japan claims sovereignty over the islands, making the issue one of the longest-running territorial disputes between Tokyo and Moscow.

China did not directly take sides on the Russia-Japan territorial dispute but emphasized its position regarding the post-World War II international order.

Guo Jiakun said China believes the outcomes of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War should be respected and upheld.

He urged Japan to abide by the postwar international order reflected in documents including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, along with other relevant international legal instruments.

China’s statement comes as Russia continues to maintain control over the disputed southern Kuril Islands, while Japan continues to claim them as its Northern Territories.

China Rejects Philippines’ Accusations Over Filipino Nationals

China also responded to comments from Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who accused Beijing of using actions against Filipino nationals as pressure against the Philippines.

Teodoro reportedly described the actions involving around 100 Filipinos as “simple extortion and blackmail.”

China rejected the accusation.

Guo Jiakun said foreign nationals in China are required to follow Chinese laws and regulations. He added that Chinese immigration authorities carry out their duties according to the law while protecting the lawful rights and interests of the people concerned.

According to Beijing, the actions were not directed against any particular country.

Guo then sharply criticized Teodoro personally, claiming that the Philippine defense secretary had previously led the Philippine armed forces in seizing and detaining Chinese nationals who, according to Beijing, were lawfully working in the Philippines.

The Chinese spokesperson accused Teodoro of repeatedly attacking and smearing China and warned that such actions could harm bilateral relations.

Guo said the consequences would ultimately affect the interests of the Philippines and its people.

China Sends Strong Message on Regional Disputes

The latest Chinese Foreign Ministry comments cover several sensitive issues involving China’s relations with the United States, the Philippines, Japan and Russia.

On Huangyan Dao, Beijing reaffirmed its sovereignty claim and rejected the 2016 arbitration ruling. On the APEC meetings, China emphasized economic cooperation and its role as the 2026 host. On Iturup, Beijing highlighted the importance of the post-World War II international order. Meanwhile, regarding the Philippines, China rejected accusations over its treatment of Filipino nationals and criticized Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

The statements underline Beijing’s increasingly firm position on territorial sovereignty, maritime disputes and what it describes as outside interference in regional affairs.

Disclaimer

This article is based on statements attributed to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun and the information provided in the source material. The views and claims mentioned in the article belong to the respective governments and officials quoted. Territorial disputes and geopolitical claims can be contested by different parties. This article is intended for informational and news-reporting purposes and does not endorse any government’s position.