China slams UK over joint statement on South China Sea

China is fuming about a joint statement from the UK and other nations regarding the South China Sea, criticizing it as an interference in its internal affairs. This reaction comes a decade after a controversial 2016 arbitral award that China largely ignored. The statement underscores ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the region, highlighting the geopolitical complexities and strategic interests at play. The UK's involvement signals a potential escalation in the diplomatic standoff, reflecting broader international concerns about China's assertive stance in the region.