The Chinese Embassy in Japan lodged a strong protest against Japan's egregious remarks and actions regarding the "South China Sea arbitration ruling."

On March 13, Shi Yong, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, lodged a strong protest with Masaaki Kanai, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the Japanese Foreign Minister's statement on the tenth anniversary of the "South China Sea Arbitration Ruling" and Japan's joint statement with other countries.

China emphasizes that the so-called "ruling" violates basic principles of international law, seriously undermines the seriousness and authority of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and severely impacts international rule of law. It is an illegal, invalid, and non-binding piece of paper. China opposes and does not accept any claims or actions based on this "ruling." China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea are unaffected by this "ruling" under any circumstances. Japan bears historical responsibility for the South China Sea issue and has not yet been held accountable; it has no right to interfere. Japan's continued meddling in the South China Sea issue and its political manipulation of the illegal "ruling," along with its egregious words and actions, challenge the post-war international order and international rule of law, undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, and violate the common interests and wishes of regional countries, provoking high vigilance from regional countries and the international community. China will resolutely and forcefully counter Japan's provocations and firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.