‘Watch yourself’: Beijing warns South Korea after remarks on South China Sea clashes
- Foreign ministry urges Seoul to refrain from ‘hyping the issue’ over confrontations between China and the Philippines
- Comments came after South Korea expressed ‘deep concern’ over recent confrontations at Second Thomas Shoal
Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said South Korea was not a party in the South China Sea disputes, but in recent years had “either insinuated or explicitly blamed China” over the matter several times.
“South Korea has shifted from the cautious and neutral stance it had maintained for many years,” Wang said.
China had “always made timely representations and stated opposition” to South Korea’s criticism, he said.
“I once again urge South Korea to watch yourself, refrain from following the trend of hyping the issue, and avoid adding unnecessary burdens on China-South Korea relations.”
Lim Soo-suk, a spokesman for South Korea’s foreign ministry, said last Thursday that Seoul was “deeply concerned about the dangerous situation” and “use of water cannons against the Philippine vessels in the South China Sea”.