Beijing Slams Tokyo for 'Criticism of China’s Domestic Affairs' Amid Sea Row

China lashed out at Japan on Wednesday for groundless criticism of its activities in the South China Sea, which Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said were Beijing’s "domestic" affairs.

BEIJING (Sputnik) — Japan unveiled its annual white paper on defense on Tuesday where it criticized China’s patrols in the disputed sea. It came after a Hague tribunal rejected Beijing’s sovereignty bid over most of the South China Sea.

"Japan's new defense white paper made groundless accusations against China's normal defense and military activities and intervened in China's domestic affairs," Hua said in a press statement.

The spokeswoman said Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied" with Japan’s claims and had "lodged solemn representations" with the Japanese side. She reiterated that China wound never agree with the Hague ruling and would continue patrols in its territorial waters.

A number of disputed islands, including the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands, are located in the South China Sea. Beijing’s territorial claims to the Spratly Islands, known as the Nansha Islands in China, which are believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, run counter to those of the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.