Beijing says a joint statement by the United States and Japan that condemned its "provocative activities" in the contested South China Sea "attacks and smears" China. "The China-related content of the US-Japan joint statement blatantly interferes in China's internal affairs, attacks and smears China and exaggerates regional tensions," spokesman Guo Jiakun tells a regular press briefing, adding China had "lodged solemn representations" with both countries. SOUNDBITE