The joint statement of the Australia-Japan leaders' meeting, in total disregard of the facts, makes groundless accusations against China on a series of issues related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and unscrupulously interferes in China’s internal affairs on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan. China deplores and firmly rejects this.

As members of the region, Australia and Japan should have played a positive role in enhancing mutual trust and cooperation, maintaining regional peace and stability, and promoting regional prosperity and development. Instead, they should not violate international law and the basic norms of international relations, grossly interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and should not provoke division and confrontation, or form a small circle to keep others out. They should not target a third party or undermine its interests.

China is a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public good. On the journey to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, China will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.

We urge Australia and Japan to see the underling trend of history, view China's development objectively, embrace the trend of the times and make positive efforts to promote regional peace, stability and development. Otherwise, they will only be self-defeating.