China urges Japan to stop inciting regional conflict

China has urged Japan to stop inciting regional conflict over the South China Sea dispute and play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying on Friday said at a press briefing, "We urge the Japanese side to immediately stop driving a wedge among regional countries and play a constructive role to regional peace and stability."

She made the remarks upon being asked about a Kyodo News report, saying the Japanese Government is increasingly worried and plans to urge the Philippines to respect the South China Sea arbitration ruling as Chinese and Philippine leaders agreed to set aside relevant disputes in the South China Sea.

The reports added that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hopes to urge the Philippines to enhance cooperation with the United States and Japan when President Duterte comes to Japan.

Responding to Japan's stance on the South China Sea issue, Chunying said, "What the Japanese side said can only be interpreted as ignorant of the times. It is in the fundamental and common interests of the Chinese and Philippine people that China and the Philippines improve and develop their relations across the board and the South China Sea issue be brought back to the track of bilateral dialogue and consultation, which is also conducive to regional peace and stability."

She added that some people in Japan keep talking about regional peace and stability, yet they get anxious and uneasy when regional peace and stability is about to be realized.

"Japan's true intention behind its desperate interference in the South China Sea issue is laid bare for all to see. It is believed that anyone who upholds justice and objectiveness will have a sensible view on this," she said.