China firmly rejects manipulation of China-related issues at G7 FM Meeting: spokesperson

(ECNS) -- China strongly deplores and firmly rejects the manipulation of China-related issues at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The comments from the meeting are a deliberate mischaracterization of the facts and truth, and a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on Monday.

According to media reports, Foreign ministers of the G7 issued a communiqué after their meeting in Italy last Friday, saying they are “concerned about the situation in the East and South China seas” and reiterate their “opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo.” The communiqué also mentioned issues related to Xizang, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

China’s position on relevant issues is consistent and clear, Wang said, adding that the most effective way to ensure cross-Strait peace and stability is to uphold the one-China principle and oppose “Taiwan independence.”

With the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the South China Sea has been generally peaceful and stable and there is no issue with freedom of navigation. China always puts the people at the center of its endeavors and strives to deliver the benefit of development to all Chinese people, he said.

Hong Kong has restored order and is set to thrive, and Xinjiang and Xizang enjoy social harmony, prosperity and stability where people of all ethnic groups live a happy life. A survey by a renowned international institution shows that the Chinese government’s satisfaction rate among the Chinese people has been above 90 percent for years running, he added.

Wang pointed out that as the largest developing country, China is committed to the welfare of the world while working hard to achieve its own development.

According to the World Bank, China’s contribution to global economic growth has long been higher than that of the G7 countries combined. China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and believes in open cooperation and mutual benefit.

The G7, however, has held fast to the Cold-War mentality, cobbled together small exclusive groupings, and escalated regional tensions and conflicts, he said, and it has also engaged in trade protectionism and disrupted world economic order under the pretext of de-risking and less reliance.

“We urge the G7 to change the habit of deflecting blame, stop interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and holding back other countries’ development at once, and work with the rest of the world to uphold peace, enhance cooperation and advance development, the spokesperson concluded.