China Responds to Australian Minister Wong's Comments

China's foreign ministry responded to comments made by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong regarding China's missile tests in the Pacific and actions in the South China Sea. During a press conference on July 22, 2026, spokesperson Lin Jian stated that "relevant countries" should "stop stirring up tension." He was specifically addressing Wong's remarks that China's missile test was destabilizing and her concerns about "aggression" in the South China Sea, particularly a recent confrontation between China and the Philippines.

Lin Jian asserted that the root cause of maritime tension lies with "deliberate infringement activities and provocation of the Philippines." He further stated that countries not directly involved in the South China Sea issues are "not in a position to interfere." The spokesperson questioned the motives of certain countries, suggesting they might be aiming to destabilize rather than maintain peace and stability in the region. He urged these "relevant countries" to cease "hyping up tensions and sowing confrontation."

Wong's comments were made at the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) forum. The official translated transcript of Lin Jian's remarks was published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China website. The exchange highlights ongoing diplomatic friction between Australia and China concerning regional security and maritime disputes.