The US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines held a quadrilateral meeting during this year's Shangri-La Dialogue. In essence, they are engaging in division under the guise of "openness" and provoking confrontation in the name of "freedom", and China firmly opposes this, Zhang Chi, a member of China's National Defense University delegation, said during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the CCTV News military channel reported.

We are resolute in safeguarding our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and we are also working together with ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, Zhang said. 

Global Times