BEIJING -- China reacted harshly to Tokyo and Washington's criticism of Beijing by name in the joint statement during the recent 2-plus-2 meeting between Japanese and U.S. foreign and defense ministers.
"We deplore and reject it," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference Wednesday, adding that Beijing had "lodged stern representations" with both Japan and the United States.
Calling out Japan in particular, Zhao said: "Japan … willingly stoops to acting as a strategic vassal of the United States, going so far as to break faith, harm relations with China, invite the wolf into the house, and betray the collective interests of the whole region. Such despicable behavior is deeply unpopular."
This fierce criticism of Japan, a rare occurrence in recent years, is believed to be a sign of China's frustration with the growing security ties between Japan and the United States.
Zhao also reacted to the fact that the Japan-U.S. 2-plus-2 joint statement "underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." He stressed that issues concerning Taiwan are among "China's domestic affairs that brook no foreign interference."
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