China warns Australia not to meddle with South China Sea issue

A Chinese military spokesperson Thursday warned countries outside the South China Sea against complicating situations, when commenting on a foreign policy paper issued by Australia earlier this month.

As a party not directly concerned with the South China Sea issue, Australia is not in a place to point fingers, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular press conference.

"We have noticed and opposed the irresponsible remarks on the South China Sea issue in the Australian document," Wu said.

Recently, the situation in the South China Sea has improved steadily, which proves that countries in the region are capable of negotiating peaceful solutions to the disputes, he said.

Australia should keep to its promise of not taking sides, he said.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)