G7 summit in Hiroshima: China strongly opposes statements and accusations of economic coercion

China says it strongly opposes G7 statements and has complained to host country Japan. The G7 countries meddle in China’s internal affairs, China’s foreign ministry said.

During the G7 summit in Japan, China’s growing influence on the development of the global economy was mentioned as a concern. The G7 countries say, among other things, that they want to continue working with China, but also that they want to reduce their dependence on the country.

The anger of the Chinese is not only directed at accusations of economic coercion, but also at G7 criticism of China’s claim to Taiwan, China’s military exercises in Taiwan and its handling of human rights. A spokesman accused the G7 of “defaming and attacking” China.

The G7 further urged China to put more pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov echoed Russian criticism that the West is using Ukraine as a means to defeat and eliminate Russia on the geopolitical scene. He said the G7 is focusing on “double containment” of Russia and China.

According to Lavrov, the West is putting pressure on countries to cut trade and economic ties with Russia. But Moscow has support from many allies, Lavrov said.