Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin Photo: mfa.gov.c

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, said a spokesperson from Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday, in response to the statement related to China released by the G7 foreign ministers regarding the South China Sea and other issues.   

The G7 foreign ministers' statement after their meeting in Italy on Friday expressed concerns regarding the situation in the East and South China Seas, and reiterated "opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo." 

While smearing China's lawful actions to protect its maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea as "dangerous," the group also expressed its concerns over the human rights situation in China's Xinjiang and Xizang, as well as civil and political rights in Hong Kong.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a regular press conference on Monday that China's position on relevant issues is consistent and clear. The most effective way to ensure cross-Straits 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. 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, said Wang.

He noted that 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.

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, said Wang.

He noted that the G7, however, has held fast to the Cold-War mentality, cobbled together small exclusive groupings, and escalated regional tensions and conflicts. 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, Wang said.

Global Times