China deeply shocked by ‘absurd’ Aquino comments

                  China is deeply shocked by, and -opposes strongly, the "absurd" comments made by Philippine President Benigno Aquino that likened China to Nazi Germany, according to -China's foreign ministry.

"We are deeply shocked at, strongly dissatisfied with and opposed to the absurd remarks made by the Philippine leader," said Hua Chun-ying, spokesperson of China's foreign -ministry, on Wednesday.

During Aquino's visit to -Japan on Wednesday, he made a -comparison between China's -activities in the South China Sea and Nazi -Germany's expansion before World War II, -hinting that the US should intervene.

"If there was a vacuum, if the United States ... says 'we are not -interested,' perhaps there is no brake to ambitions of other countries," -Aquino said.

Hua went on to claim that the Philippines has illegally occupied Chinese islands and harassed -China's fishing boats and fishermen since the 1970s.

"It is still the Philippines who has collided with countries outside the region and slung mud at China in pursuit of its selfish gains over recent years," Hua said.

China is a responsible -country that honors commitments and -remains dedicated to resolving relevant -disputes through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned, Hua noted.

"I once again solemnly urge some people from the Philippines to -discard illusions, stop provoking and come back to the right track of -resolving disputes through bilateral -negotiation and consultation," Hua warned, adding that the -Chinese -government is resolute in -safeguarding territorial sovereignty and -maritime rights and interests.