Question: The recently released joint communiqué by the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting contains comment on China with regard to Taiwan, Xinjiang and the East and South China Seas, claiming they express “concerns” to the Chinese side and asking China not to support Russia. What is your comment?

Embassy spokesperson: The Chinese side has issued a comprehensive response regarding the above-mentioned remarks by the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, pointing out that they blatantly interfered in China’s internal affairs and gravely violated the basic norms governing international relations. We express our grave concern and strong opposition.

I want to emphasize that the affairs related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong are purely China’s internal affairs and brook no interference by any external forces. The Chinese people reject these irresponsible remarks about China’s internal affairs which the G7 has no right and is in no position to make!

On issues relating to the East and South China Seas, China remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard the nation’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. That said, we stand ready to deal with differences with the relevant countries in an appropriate manner through consultation and negotiation. The G7 intervention in the situation in the East and South China Seas, at whatever excuse, will only bring unnecessary disruption to regional peace and tranquility, and run counter to the interests of the countries in the region.

On the Ukraine issue, China’s position is consistent and clear. China always make independent judgment according to the merits of the issue, and has always been promoting peace talks and deescalation of the situation in its own way. China always stands on the side of supporting peace and upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In the meantime, we will firmly reject any external coercion or pressure, and we strongly oppose any groundless suspicion or accusation against China.

China is a country that loves peace and champions cooperation. It is always a defender of world peace, a contributor to global development and an upholder of international order. China has proposed the Global Security Initiative, and in doing so, provides China’s solution to bridging the peace deficit, addressing security challenges and realising sustained security in the world. In the meantime, no one should underestimate the determination, will and capability of the Chinese people to safeguard their nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests.

We urge the G7 members to mind their own business, address their human rights problems at home and make positive efforts that are conducive to the restoration of peace in Europe rather than busying themselves with discrediting other countries, interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and stirring up trouble. It is high time they broke such unpopular bad habits!