The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Thursday, Aug. 29, hit Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya over his supposedly “irresponsible remark” when he came in defense of the Philippines against Beijing’s harassment in the West Philippine Sea.
The embassy said it protested Endo's remark made on X when he said that what the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) did in the waters off Escoda Shoal was "another unacceptable development."
"Any harassment and actions which increase tensions or obstruct freedom of navigation are not tolerated. Upholding a rules-based international order and adhering to commitments must prevail," Endo also said.
On Aug. 25, the country's task force for the West Philippine Sea reported harassment that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel experienced from China, including dangerous maneuver, water cannon and ramming.
The embassy stressed that "whenever incidents occur in the South China Sea, the Japanese Ambassador always does not fail to give instant high-profile responses."
It said that Endo's responses were supposedly "in ignorance of the facts and contained unwarranted accusations against China."
"We can’t help but ask, does he not need some time to understand the facts and truth of the incidents, even if he were a 'judge' or 'arbitrator' of some sort?" the embassy asked in a statement.
"His unprincipled criticisms and habitual bias, driven by 'political correctness' can hardly contribute to upholding a 'rules-based international order,'" it added.
The embassy proceeded in finding fault with Japan's own action.
"Regarding adherence to international rules, can the Japanese Ambassador explain why Japan claims jurisdiction over 700,000 square kilometers based on the less than 10-square-meter area of the Okinotori reef?" it asked.
"Can he explain why Japan ignores the health and safety of people in Asia and around the world by using the Pacific Ocean as a dumping ground for Fukushima radioactive water?"
In August 2023, Endo already said that the discharge would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also greenlighted Tokyo's move to discharge the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water that contains radioactive substances.
The Chinese embassy also dug Japan's history with the Philippines when Imperial Japan invaded the Philippines.
The embassy said that the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region are hard-earned, so it needs "to be cherished and protected by regional countries."
"China firmly safeguards its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and remains committed to properly handling maritime disputes with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation," it said.
"We urge Japan to deeply reflect on history, reflect on its words and actions, and contribute more to regional peace and stability, and try establishing itself as a truly independent and trustworthy country in the eyes of its Asian neighbors and the international community," it added.