Seoul in talks with Beijing on remark opposing S. Korea-U.S.-Japan joint statement: official

▲ This undated photo shows the foreign ministry building in Seoul. (Yonhap)

S Korea-China-Indo-Pacific dialogue

Seoul in talks with Beijing on remark opposing S. Korea-U.S.-Japan joint statement: official

SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reaffirmed its position to China via diplomatic channels after Beijing reacted against a joint statement by South Korea, the United States and Japan on the South China Sea, a foreign ministry official said Tuesday.

Last week, the three countries held an inaugural meeting of their trilateral Indo-Pacific dialogue and pointed out China's "unlawful" claims in the South China Sea in their statement.

They also recalled their positions on the "recent dangerous and escalatory behavior supporting unlawful maritime claims" by China in the South China Sea.

The Chinese foreign ministry on Monday expressed discontent about the statement's rhetoric, saying it opposes the three countries' attempt to interfere in its internal affairs.

"The joint statement reflects the basic position that our government has consistently maintained in regard to Taiwan and the South China Sea," the official said.

Seoul continues to maintain communication with Beijing via diplomatic channels and has clearly expressed its views on the matter, he added.

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