The G7 summit held in Hiroshima, Japan this year concluded with a joint statement condemning China's interference activities and expressing deep concerns about alleged human rights abuses within the country. The statement specifically highlighted the regions of Tibet and Xinjiang as areas of particular concern. China, being a key target of the summit, faced strong criticism from the world's leading industrialized nations.
During the summit, the G7 leaders emphasized "the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." They reiterated their unwavering stance on Taiwan, stating that there is no change in their basic positions concerning the island. The statement also emphasized the G7's concerns about the human rights situation in China, including the ongoing issues in Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.
The G7 further addressed China's maritime claims in the South China Sea, stating that there is no legal basis for China's expansive claims in the region. The joint statement underscored the need for maintaining freedom of navigation and respecting international law.
In response to the G7's statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry firmly opposed the joint statement and lodged a complaint with the summit organizer, Japan. The ministry accused the G7 of disregarding China's concerns, attacking the country, and interfering in its internal affairs, particularly regarding Taiwan.
In their communique released on May 20, the leaders of the club of the world’s top seven wealthiest democracies struck a balance between seeking cooperation in areas like climate change and pushing back against Beijing’s increasingly assertive posture, which has upended decades-old assumptions about the global balance of power.
Edited and collated by Team TRC