China Calls G7 Communique Mixed Domestic Affairs

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin delivered a statement to the media in Beijing, China on Monday (22/2/4/2024). (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said communication with members of the G7 association had interfered in their country's internal affairs.

"Comments from the meeting caused intentional character error over facts and the truth as well as a form of blatant interference over China's internal affairs," Wang Wenbin said while delivering information to the media in Beijing, China, Monday, April 22.

On Friday (19/04) in Capri, Italy, foreign ministers of G7 members conveyed joint communication both regarding the conditions of the Middle East and other regional and international issues including China.

In the communique, foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, the United States and high representatives of the European Union expressed concern about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea and reaffirmed their rejection of any unilateral attempts to change the "state quo" with violence.

"We deeply regret and firmly reject the manipulation of Chinese-related issues at the G7 Foreign Minister meeting. China's position on related issues is consistent and clear," said Wang Wenbin.

According to Wang Wenbin, the most effective way to ensure peace and cross-sate stability is to uphold the principle of "one China" and oppose "Taiwan independence". Furthermore, with China's joint efforts and ASEAN countries, the conditions of the South China Sea and its surroundings can be peaceful and stable.

"China has always prioritized the public in its efforts to provide development benefits to all Chinese people. Hong Kong has returned to order, Xinjiang and Xizang enjoy harmony, prosperity, and social stability where people from all ethnic groups live happily," said Wang Wenbin.

Citing a survey from an international institution, Wang Wenbin said the level of satisfaction of the Chinese government among the Chinese people was above 90 percent over the years.

"As the largest developing country, China is committed to world welfare while working hard to achieve its own development targets. The World Bank says China's contribution to global economic growth has been higher than the combined G7 countries," said Wang Wenbin.

China, Wang Wenbin said, encourages an equal, orderly and multipolar world to produce an inclusive economic globalization following the goals and principles of the UN Charter and believes that cooperation is open and mutually beneficial.

"However, the G7 still adheres to the Cold War mentality built by an exclusive small group and increases regional tensions. These countries are also involved in trade protectionism and disrupt the world's economic order under the pretext of reducing the risk and dependence of domestic affairs of a country, as well as hindering the development of other countries," said Wang Wenbin.

In the G7 communique, the foreign ministers of the G7 said that there was no legal basis for China's maritime claims to most parts of the South China Sea. The G7 also opposes China's militarization, coercion and intimidation activities in the South China Sea.

Furthermore, the G7 requested that China obey the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reaffirm the important role of UNCLOS in marine law as well as the decision of the Court of Arbitration on July 12, 2016.

The commissioner also mentioned his support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations, including at the WHO's technical meeting although the communique also emphasized that there was no change in the basic position of G7 members towards Taiwan, including the "One China" policy.

Furthermore, the G7 Foreign Ministers also expressed concern about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Tibet.

"We express our concern about the deteriorating pluralism and civil and political rights in Hong Kong since the implementation of the 2020 National Security Act, especially Article 23 which erodes autonomy, human rights and fundamental freedom in Hong Kong," the G7 Communique said.