China has rejected accusations made by the defense chiefs of the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, who last week raised concerns over Beijing’s actions in the East and South China Seas.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the four countries issued a joint statement warning about what they called China’s “destabilizing actions” and attempts to change the status quo in the region “by force or coercion.”

Beijing fired back on Tuesday, calling the claims “false” and warning that such rhetoric was meant to stir up confrontation.

“The US, along with Japan, Australia and the Philippines, is spreading the so-called ‘China threat’ to provoke tensions,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian. “We strongly oppose this and have made serious protests.”

He accused the four countries of using the forum to incite regional division, saying their approach reflects a “Cold War mentality” that is “out of step with the times and unwelcome in the region.”

China, he added, will continue to defend its territorial claims and maritime rights.

“Confrontation won’t solve any problems, and it certainly won’t intimidate China,” Lin said, urging the countries to stop “smears and blame-shifting,” and instead support dialogue and diplomacy.

Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang criticized US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s remarks at the summit, where he warned of an “imminent China threat” and accused Beijing of preparing to shift the balance of power in Asia through military force.

Zhang said the US often uses the Shangri-La Dialogue to “create disputes, fuel confrontation, and pursue its own interests.” China’s defense minister Dong Jun did not attend the forum.

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