China has pushed back on a joint statement released by ministers of the Quad nations that expresses strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, in an apparent reference to Beijing's increasing maritime advances.

The statement followed talks between the top diplomats of Japan, the United States, Australia and India held in Tokyo on Monday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian spoke to media the same day.

He said the Quad claims to build a free and open Indo-Pacific when in fact, it artificially creates tension and incites confrontation.

Lin said China will settle bilateral issues through dialogue and discussions with the countries directly involved. He appeared to be referring to territorial disputes with the Philippines.

He warned third party nations against interfering and adding fuel to the fire, as he called on them to respect China's efforts to protect the peace and stability of regional nations.

Lin also condemned the joint statement released by the foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the United States on Sunday.

The statement noted China's foreign policy "seeks to reshape the international order for its own benefit at the expense of others."

Lin said the statement "disregards facts, mixes up right and wrong, maliciously attacks China's foreign policy."

He added "China deplores and firmly opposes this."

Lin also hit out on Japan and the United States' stance on enhancing US extended deterrence.

He said Beijing's buildup of national defense and its military activities are fair and reasonable. He said China has only the minimum nuclear forces needed to maintain national security and does not pose a threat to any country.

The spokesperson said it is Japan and the United States that are sacrificing the security interests of other nations, as well as the happiness of the people in the Asia Pacific region.