China says statement from the US, Japan, and South Korea regarding Taiwan is interference in internal affairs.
Beijing accuses the three countries of trying to 'defame and slander' China.
By Bianca Penteado, from Beijing – China reacted on Tuesday (23) to a joint statement issued by the United States, Japan and South Korea on Taiwan and maritime affairs. The Chinese government's response was reported by Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun during a press conference.
According to Guo, the document represents direct interference in the country's internal affairs and contains attempts to "defame and slander" China.
The spokesperson stressed that the countries involved must respect the one-China principle and warned that the greatest threats to peace in the Taiwan Strait are separatist movements seeking independence for the region, supported by external forces.
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in New York with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi. Following the meeting, the three diplomats expressed concern about the rise of destabilizing activities in the Taiwan region.
Taiwan's response
In Taipei, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei told reporters that the island intends to cooperate with Washington, Tokyo, Seoul, and other international partners to preserve regional peace and stability.
