G7 slams China ‘militarization’, says seeking ‘stable’ relations

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) have condemned China’s economic and military activities, claiming they are seeking to keep the door open to cooperation and avoid further inflaming tensions between China and the West.

In a statement on Saturday, the G7 leaders said there was “no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and we oppose China’s militarization activities in the region.”

However, they claimed they are ready for “constructive and stable” relations with China.

“We stand prepared to build constructive and stable relations with China, recognizing the importance of engaging candidly with and expressing our concerns directly to China,” the group said.

“Our policy approaches are not designed to harm China nor do we seek to thwart China’s economic progress and development,” the statement continued, adding that the G7 countries are not “decoupling or turning inwards.”

“Economic resilience requires de-risking and diversifying,” they said, pledging to “reduce excessive dependencies in our critical supply chains.”

The leaders also accused China of undermining the “rules-based international order,” saying a growing China that plays by international rules would be of global interest.

The statement also urged China to pressure its strategic partner Russia to end its war with Ukraine.

MG