China's Foreign Ministry has hit back at Japan, the United States and the Philippines after the three allies agreed to step up maritime security cooperation in the face of Beijing's ocean activities.

Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Friday mentioned a summit between the leaders of the three countries in Washington where they agreed on holding joint coast-guard exercises and other issues.

Mao said China resolutely opposes any act that leads to an escalation of confrontations. She criticized the three nations for smearing and attacking China.

Earlier on Friday, the foreign ministry summoned Yokochi Akira, minister at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, to lodge a protest.

The ministry said the Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs, Liu Jinsong, expressed grave concern and strong dissatisfaction about the trilateral summit.

A Japanese Embassy official said Yokochi explained Tokyo's stance and made a fresh request about concerns over China.