China protested the United States and Japan over their joint statement, noting that this is a malicious attack on its foreign policy and serious interference in the internal affairs of China, AP reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China was strongly opposed to this statement.

The US-Japan statement expresses concern over threats to Taiwan, human rights abuses in Xinjiang, China's activities in the South China Sea, and “unilateral action that seeks to change the status quo” over Japan-controlled East China Sea islands that China also claims.

The statement “maliciously attacked China’s foreign policy, seriously interfered in China’s internal affairs and tried to harm China’s interests,” Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing. “China is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this, and we have made solemn representations to the United States and Japan respectively.”

According to him, China is ready to discuss its policy towards Xinjiang and Hong Kong. “But the U.S. attempt to deliberately mislead public opinion before the meeting and exert pressure on China will not succeed,” Zhao said. “We urge the U.S. side to adhere to the basic norms of international relations and not to engage in things that endanger China’s core interests.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet on Thursday in Alaska with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Senior Foreign Policy Adviser Yang Jiechi.