BEIJING: China has expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with a communique issued by G7 leaders that targeted Beijing on various issues, including the South China Sea, human rights, and alleged interference in their democracies.
The G7 summit, attended by leaders from the seven wealthy nations, including US President Joe Biden, has been taking place in Hiroshima, Japan since Friday.
The G7 statement called on China to refrain from “interference activities” and expressed concerns about human rights abuses in China, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang.
The leaders also voiced grave concerns about territorial disputes in the South China Sea, indirectly accusing China of coercion. Additionally, China was urged to use its influence to pressure Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine.
In response, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Saturday evening, criticizing the G7’s approach and stating that it lacked international credibility. The ministry spokesperson accused the G7 of manipulating China-related issues, smearing and attacking China.
China expressed its strong dissatisfaction, firmly opposing the communique, and lodging an official protest with Japan, the host country of the summit, as well as other relevant parties.
China criticizes G7 for not clearly opposing Taiwan’s independence
The G7 statement emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but China criticized the bloc for not clearly opposing Taiwan independence.
The spokesperson accused the G7 of hindering world peace, undermining regional stability, and impeding the development of other countries, despite its stated goals of seeking a peaceful and prosperous world.
The Hiroshima communique reflects the divergent approaches of G7 countries in dealing with China, with some nations, including the United States, favoring a stronger stance, while others in Europe seek to avoid further confrontation.
