Beijing hits out at ‘arrogant’ and ‘prejudiced’ G7 statement warning against Taiwan threats

The bloc expressed its strong opposition to attempts to ‘change the status quo by force or coercion’ after a foreign ministers’ meeting in Japan

The Chinese foreign ministry said there were ‘sinister’ anti-China intentions behind the statement issued after a series of exercises in the Taiwan Strait

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A PLA pilot pictured during the recent Taiwan Strait exercise. Photo: Handout

Cyril Ipin Hong KongandDewey Simin Singapore

Published: 8:33pm, 18 Apr 2023

China has expressed strong opposition to an “arrogant” and “prejudiced” statement about Taiwan from the Group of Seven urging Beijing not to make threats or use force.

In a joint statement released by the G7’s foreign ministers after their three-day meeting in Karuizawa, Japan, the diplomats said there has been “no change” in the bloc’s position on the self-ruled island.

“We remind China of the need to uphold the purposes and principles of the [United Nations] Charter and abstain from threats, coercion, intimidation, or the use of force … We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” the communique stated.

The ministers also said “there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea” – where it is embroiled in a series of long-standing disputes with neighbouring countries – and they “oppose China’s militarisation activities in the region”.

The Chinese foreign ministry responded by saying Taiwan is a “sacred and inalienable” part of China’s territory and warned against “external forces” interfering in its internal affairs.

The relevant statement is full of arrogance, prejudice and sinister intentions to oppose and contain China,” foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular press conference in Beijing.