The G7, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, expressed their concerns over the maritime disputes in these regions, emphasizing the need for peace, stability, and adherence to international law.
In their communiqué, the G7 nations underscored the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and called for the resolution of disputes through peaceful means. They reiterated their opposition to any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions and destabilize the region, specifically pointing to China’s expansive territorial claims and its militarization of disputed areas.
China’s Foreign Ministry swiftly responded, condemning the G7’s remarks as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs and a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the situation. Beijing insists that its activities in the South and East China Seas are lawful and consistent with its sovereign rights and historical claims. The Chinese government maintains that its presence and infrastructure development in these waters are essential for ensuring regional security and fostering economic growth.
Beijing has long asserted its claim over the vast majority of the South China Sea, delineated by the so-called “nine-dash line,” a demarcation that overlaps with the territorial claims of several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. These overlapping claims have led to a series of confrontations and a complex geopolitical impasse.
The East China Sea, another area of contention, primarily involves a dispute between China and Japan over the sovereignty of the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. Both nations claim ownership of these uninhabited islets, which are strategically significant and potentially resource-rich.
China argues that its claims are based on historical evidence and that it has always exercised jurisdiction over these maritime areas. It accuses the G7 of disregarding this historical context and siding with rival claimants, thereby exacerbating tensions. Beijing also criticizes the G7 for what it perceives as a double standard, where Western powers selectively uphold international law to serve their strategic interests.
The Chinese government has reiterated its preference for bilateral negotiations as the primary means of resolving disputes, asserting that external interference complicates the process. It has also emphasized the role of regional forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in facilitating dialogue and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Despite China’s objections, the G7’s stance reflects a broader international concern about freedom of navigation and the rule of law in international waters. The South China Sea, through which a significant portion of global maritime trade passes, is particularly crucial. Any disruption to the free flow of goods and services through these waters could have far-reaching economic implications.
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