China Slams G7 for Interfering in South China Sea Dispute

China denounced the G7 summit, accusing it of interfering in the East China Sea and South China Sea disputes.

Leaders of the G7 countries in the G7 summit held in Taormina on 26 May. (Photo: PTI) 

China strongly denounced the just-concluded G7 summit, accusing it of interfering in the East China Sea and South China Sea disputes in the "guise of international law".

The G7 summit held in Taormina, Italy, ended with a joint communique on Saturday, saying that the members are committed to "maintaining a rules-based order in the maritime domain based on the principles of international law".

The statement expressed concerns about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement:

China’s position on the East China Sea and South China Sea issues is clear and consistent. China has been committed to properly handling disputes, cementing cooperation and safeguarding peace and stability of the East China Sea and South China Sea through talks and consultations directly with related parties.

China claims to own almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have counter claims regarding the claimed ownership.

Last year, China rejected an International Tribunal Judgement quashing its claims over the area.

Lu urged the G7 and countries outside it to understand the situation and stick to the pledge to take no position on relevant disputes. He also said that they must fully respect the efforts made by the countries in the region to handle disputes and stop making irresponsible remarks.

China has also been opposing US dispatching naval ships and aircrafts to assert the freedom of navigation.

The G7 is a group of countries that consists of the United States, France, Canada, Germany, the UK, Italy and Japan.