BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) -- China will never "bully" small countries, nor will it tolerate "blackmail" on the South China Sea issue, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said here on Monday.
Spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to claims that the Philippines initiated arbitration due to the two countries' very unequal strengths which makes it unable to solve maritime delimitation disputes with China through dialogue.
"Such an argument confuses right and wrong and reminds us of the so-called theory of original sin of major powers," said Lu.
Calling the rhetoric "obviously from those who attempt to smear China," Lu said the logic behind the rhetoric is that "a strong nation is bound to seek hegemony."
China adheres to the path of peaceful development and follows a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, said Lu.
China persists in building good-neighborly relationships and partnerships with its neighbors and in solving disputes through dialogue and negotiation, he said.
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