China issues critical statement against European countries

China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday urged the European Union to be cautious in its words and actions on the South China Sea issue and stop supporting the "illegal decision" to avoid its impact on China-EU relations and cooperation.

"Europe is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to comment on China's legitimate territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian.

On Sunday, some EU countries issued a joint statement saying that China's extensive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis, Reuters reported.

China has also summoned officials from the embassies of the countries concerned in China and the EU delegation in China and lodged serious objections with them, Lin said.