G7 warns China over military buildup, calls for stability in Taiwan
G7 foreign ministers sent a warning to China on Tuesday for its military maneuvers and expansionist pretensions in the Asia-Pacific, and called on it to act “responsibly” to restore stability around Taiwan.
“We vehemently oppose to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo. by force or coercion. There is no legal basis for China’s maritime expansionist claims in the South China Sea and we oppose China’s militarization activities in the region,” the ministers said in their joint statement at the end of their meeting Tuesday in the Japanese city of Karuizawa.
The Group of Seven foreign ministers also explicitly referred to rising tensions and the conduct of maneuvers on the part of Peking. since last year around the self-ruled island, whose sovereignty it claims, again insisting on “the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
Stability around Taipei “is an indispensable element in the security and prosperity of the international community. and call for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait disputes,” adds the statement, which also expresses the group’s support for Taiwan’s autonomous participation in international bodies.
“We reiterate our call to China. to act as a responsible member of the international community,” agreed the top representatives of G7 diplomacy, who recognize the importance of “frankly engaging” with China, but also of “frankly expressing” their concerns directly to the country.
The G7 members (Japan, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States), along with the European Union, which also took part in the meetings, were ready to “to build constructive and stable relations.” with Beijing through dialogue, to promote a win-win relationship.
The Group of Seven also showed its concern over allegations of. human rights violations and abuses in China.and “the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomous rights and freedoms”, on which they called on Beijing to act in accordance with the relevant Sino-British treaties.
