China has called on the Group of Seven (G7) nations to stop interfering in its internal affairs and to focus on promoting international cooperation and development. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks on Monday in response to recent statements from the G7.
Mao criticized the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting statement and their Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, which she said made irresponsible comments on issues related to Taiwan and maritime concerns. She noted that the statements also expressed unwarranted concerns over alleged provision of weapons and dual-use components to Russia by China, as well as China’s so-called overcapacity and military build-up.
The spokesperson emphasized that these statements misrepresented facts and sought to vilify China. “We strongly deplore and firmly reject these actions and have lodged serious protests with the relevant countries,” Mao said.
Mao reiterated that the Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests and brooks no external interference. She asserted that the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains stable and that freedom of navigation and overflight has never been an issue. She urged the G7 to stop sowing discord and provoking disputes.
Addressing concerns over the Ukraine conflict, Mao stated that China has consistently promoted peace talks and has not provided lethal weapons to any party involved. She added that China strictly controls the export of dual-use items and rejects the G7’s attempts to shift blame onto China.
Mao highlighted that China’s defense spending and nuclear forces are maintained at the minimum level required for national security. She called it a “double standard” for the G7 to overlook the United States’ responsibilities in disarmament and the risks of nuclear proliferation posed by AUKUS, while directing criticism at China.
The spokesperson dismissed the “Chinese overcapacity” narrative as a false proposition. She urged G7 members to stop politicizing and weaponizing trade and economic ties, and to refrain from undermining the international economic order and destabilizing global industrial and supply chains.
Mao called on the G7 to recognize global trends, discard Cold War mentalities and ideological biases, and cease actions that undermine China’s sovereignty and interfere in its internal affairs. She encouraged the G7 to focus on addressing major global challenges and promoting international solidarity and cooperation.
China’s message underscores its stance on safeguarding its core interests while advocating for a collaborative approach to global issues. The call reflects ongoing tensions between China and the G7 over a range of geopolitical and economic concerns.
