Global Times, a state-backed Chinese publication, called the Group of Seven Summit on Monday an “anti China workshop”, after Beijing summoned Japan’s envoy to the country and reprimanded Britain for statements made at the weekend in Hiroshima.
In a joint communique released on Saturday, China was singled out on issues such as Taiwan, maritime claims, economic coercion, and human rights. This underscored the tensions that exist between Beijing and the rich country group, which includes the United States.
Global Times editorial titled “G7 has become an anti China workshop” on Monday stated that the U.S. was pushing to weave a net against China in the Western World.
“This isn’t just about brutally interfering in China’s domestic affairs and slandering China. It also involves an unmasked urge for conflict between the two camps.”
Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said that it strongly opposed the G-7’s statement. Late Sunday, it said it summoned Japan’s ambassador to China to protest the summit’s host.
Russia, an ally of China who was also criticized in the G7’s statement for its invasion of Ukraine said that the summit had been a “incubator” of anti-Chinese and anti-Russian hysteria.
Separately, China’s Embassy in Britain called on London to stop defaming China after British Prime Minister Rishi sunak claimed that Beijing is the greatest threat to global security and prosperity.
Joe Biden, despite Beijing’s pointed response, said that he expects a thaw of frosty relationships with China “very soon.” Other members of the Group of Seven include Canada, France Germany and Italy.
Sun Weidong, the Chinese vice foreign minister, summoned Japan’s ambassador late Sunday to protest against “hype surrounding China-related matters”.
Sun claimed that Japan had collaborated with other countries during the G7 summit in “activities and joint declarations” to smear China, interfering grossly in China’s domestic affairs and violating international law principles and the spirit behind the four documents between China & Japan.
He said that Japan’s actions are detrimental to China’s interests in sovereignty, security, and development, and China is “strongly unhappy and strongly opposed” to them.
Sun stated that Japan should “correct its understanding of China”, grasp strategic autonomy and adhere to the principles in the four documents between China & Japan. It must also promote the development of stable bilateral relations by adopting a positive attitude.
Hideotarumi, the Japanese ambassador in China, refuted that it was “natural” for G-7 members to discuss issues of concern, as they have done in the past, and will continue to in the future, as long as China doesn’t change its behavior.
According to the report, Tarumi said that China should take first positive steps to address these issues of concern if it demands to not be referred to.
Hirokazu Mattsuno, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, said in a Monday morning briefing the country’s consistent policy towards China is to insist on what’s needed and encourage responsible behavior while taking steps to address concerns and collaborate on common issues.
