China embassy takes swipe at 'fusty' Japan over South China Sea

MANILA, March 24 (Reuters) - China's embassy in the
Philippines has blamed "some external countries" for stoking
tensions in the region, in remarks aimed at Japan after its
ambassador stressed the need for peace and stability and in the
South China Sea.
China was criticised by the Philippines and the United
States this week after Manila said there were about 220 vessels
likely manned by Chinese maritime militia anchored in disputed
waters. "Within our region tensions are rising because some external
countries are bent on playing fusty geopolitical games," the
Chinese embassy said on Twitter.
"It is a pity that some Asian country, which has disputes in
the East China Sea and is driven by the selfish aim to check
China's revitalisation, willingly stoops as a strategic vassal
of the U.S.," it said.
The comment was a direct response to a Twitter remark by
Japan's ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who on
Tuesday said his country "opposes any action that heightens
tensions" in the South China Sea, and supports international
efforts to keep the waters peaceful and open.
China's extensive territorial claims in the East and South
China Seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy
Sino-U.S. relationship and are a security concern for Japan.
The Philippines complained to China at the weekend about
what it called the "swarming and threatening presence" of
Chinese vessels at the Whitsun Reef. China's mission in the Philippines said those were fishing
vessels sheltering from rough seas. It also criticised the
United States for "fanning flames and provoking confrontation in
the region".
Philippine military chief Cirilito Sobejana on Wednesday
said he had instructed the navy to deploy more boats "to
increase our visibility and ensure the security and safety of
our fishermen."
Sobejana said China's defence attache had met Philippine
military representatives on Wednesday after being asked to
explain the maritime militia, but he had yet to briefed on the
meeting.