CHINA was “strongly dissatisfied” with the (G7) declaration expressing concern over the South China Sea issue, according to a Chinese foreign ministry official.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said G7 members should focus on promoting regional stability instead of taking sides in territorial disputes.
“China is strongly dissatisfied with what Japan and the G7 have done. It is hoped the G7 countries would take an unbiased and just position, honor their commitment of not taking sides in territorial disputes, stop making irresponsible remarks, and do more things that contribute to regional peace and stability,” Hua said in a press briefing on Friday.
A transcript of the briefing was made available on the website of China’s foreign ministry.
In their declaration, the G7 leaders of the world’s most advanced economies said that disputes should be settled peacefully and claims made should be based on international law.
“We are concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas, and emphasize the fundamental importance of peaceful management and settlement of disputes,” the G7 leaders said.
The statement did not mention particular countries, but the message appeared to be directed at China, which is locked in a territorial dispute with Japan and the Philippines, among others.