The G7 on Wednesday issued a pointed warning on China’s militarisation of the South China Sea and called for Beijing to press Russia for an unconditional withdrawal Afrom Ukraine.
The body representing most of the world’s largest economies had Beijing squarely in mind after convening a virtual meeting attended by its members’ heads of state, with the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East also figuring prominently.
In a statement, it urged China to “press Russia to stop its military aggression” and to “support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with the principles of the UN Charter.
While the Group of 7 leaders reaffirmed a commitment to building “constructive and stable relations with China”, they said Beijing must abide by international rules and address challenges like climate change and debt sustainability in vulnerable countries.
A growing China that plays by international rules would be of global interest,” the leaders said in the statement.
“We are not decoupling or turning inwards. At the same time, we recognise that economic resilience requires de-risking and diversifying.”
The group added it would take steps “individually and collectively” to invest in their “own economic vibrancy” as well as “reduce excessive dependencies in our critical supply chains.”
With respect to the South China Sea, the leaders expressed their opposition to “China’s expansive maritime claims and militarisation activities” in the highly disputed region.
