China Condemns G7 Statement, Calls It 'Interference' in Internal Affairs

Beijing, Nov 12 (KUNA) -- China on Thursday condemned a statement issued by the Group of Seven (G7) major industrialized nations, calling it “a blatant interference in its internal affairs.” The remark came from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a regular press briefing, in response to the G7 statement which noted that “China’s increasingly stringent measures in waters east of Taiwan island have raised concerns among external parties.” Xinhua News Agency quoted Mao Ning as saying that “the statement ignored the facts and turned a blind eye to the positive contributions made by China toward global peace, stability, and development,” adding that “China’s position on the Taiwan issue is clear, legitimate, reasonable, and transparent.” Mao Ning urged the G7 to play a constructive role in addressing shared challenges and enhancing international solidarity.

The foreign ministers of the G7 issued a joint statement on Wednesday following their meeting in Paris, warning that China’s moves east of Taiwan threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation, and the safety of international shipping. Observers described the statement as the “strongest unified collective position” the group has so far issued regarding China’s maritime activities off the eastern coast of the island.

In a related development, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that resolving the Taiwan issue represents “a historic mission for the Communist Party of China and a shared aspiration of all Chinese people.” Speaking at a conference in Beijing today to mark the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) known as the “father of modern China,” Xi called on all Chinese people to work hand in hand to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and oppose separatist forces seeking “Taiwan independence,” emphasizing that “reunification is an irreversible historical trend.” He said that “no disagreement is insurmountable through dialogue and consultation among members of the same family,” reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to the policy of “peaceful reunification and one country, two systems,” and ruled out leaving any room for any form of separatist activities aimed at “Taiwan independence.” (End) S.L.Q./A.M.S.