Beijing slams Washington summit, says South China Sea actions “lawful”

Signs of diplomatic friction are emerging after a first-of-its-kind trilateral summit was held among the leaders of the US, Japan and the Philippines in Washington. Beijing has since summoned its Philippine ambassador and a Japanese diplomat to make solemn representations after their leaders criticised China’s moves in the South China Sea. The Chinese foreign ministry has defended its actions as lawful, saying it firmly opposes nations manipulating what it called “bloc politics” and behaviour that provokes opposition.

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