G7 points condemnation of China because it intensifies response to Beijing
T
he G7 issued its strongest condemnation but of China on Saturday, criticising the nation’s “economic coercion” and urged a “peaceful solution” to tensions throughout the Taiwan Strait.
In a joint assertion, the G7 nations mentioned they have been involved about China’s actions within the South China Sea and that they “strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.”
The communique, launched initially of the three-day summit in Japan, added that they have been ready to construct “constructive and steady” relations with Beijing while reducing their dependence on trade with the world’s second largest economy.
The joint statement drew a quick reaction from Beijing, which complained to Japan as the summit organiser.
The Chinese foreign ministry said that the G7 had attacked it and interfered in its internal affairs, including Taiwan.
The ministry said in a statement it had expressed strong dissatisfaction and has lodged stern representations with summit host Japan.
FILE photo of Joe Biden and Xi Jinping shaking hands in November 2022
/ APG7 nations – the US, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada – are grappling with the challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and tensions with China, including over Taiwan.
Separately, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with India’s Narendra Modi on Saturday at the summit and was due to meet other ‘Global South’ leaders in a bid to widen support for his country’s efforts to resist Russia’s invasion.
The assembly, being held in Hiroshima, has already agreed new sanctions on Russia.
Flown in from an Arab League summit on a French authorities jet, Mr Zelensky held talks with Modi as a part of a sequence of conferences with non-aligned nations in attendance.
He mentioned that the 2 mentioned Ukraine’s wants regarding cell hospitals and the elimination of landmines and that he had invited India to hitch Ukraine’s peace components.
Modi’s Twitter account posted a photograph of the 2 shaking arms, noting he had advised Mr Zelensky of India’s readiness to proceed humanitarian assist for the individuals of Ukraine.
India has not distanced itself from Russia within the aftermath of the invasion and its oil offers with Russia are seen as undermining Western sanctions.
India’s gasoline purchases from Russia weren’t mentioned in Saturday’s assembly, India’s overseas secretary, Vinay Kwatra, advised reporters.