China has criticized the Group of 7 (G7) industrialized democracies following accusations that the country is threatening maritime safety.
The statement, issued on Saturday in Taipei, Taiwan, by top diplomats from the G7 countries, raised concerns about China’s activities in certain maritime regions and their potential impact on global trade and geopolitical stability.
The G7, which includes the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Italy, and Japan, emphasized the importance of maintaining open and secure seas.
Their joint statement implied that China’s actions in certain maritime areas were creating security concerns. However, the specific maritime regions were not identified in the statement.
The South China Sea, often a point of contention, is known for overlapping territorial claims by multiple countries, making it a frequent source of dispute.
In response, China issued a strong rebuttal, accusing the G7 of displaying “arrogance, prejudice, and malicious intentions.”
The criticism highlights the sensitivity surrounding maritime security, particularly with regard to China’s stance on its territorial waters.
China’s foreign ministry has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to protecting its maritime sovereignty and argued against foreign interference from Western powers.