China Tells G-7 to Stop `Hyping' Sea Disputes, Focus on Economy
- G-7 should stop `irresponsible' comments on South China Sea
- No problem of freedom of navigation in waterways, China Says
A protester holds a sign reading 'South China Sea Does Not Belong to China!' in Makati, Philippines.
Source: Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty ImagesThe Group of Seven nations should stop inflaming territorial disputes in Asian waters and focus its energy on dealing with a slumping global economy, China said, in response to G-7 calls for countries to stop land reclamation and militarization in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
“China is strongly dissatisfied with relevant moves taken by G-7,” Foreign Minister spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement Tuesday. “We urge G-7 members to abide by their promise of not taking sides on territorial disputes, respect the efforts by regional countries, stop all irresponsible words and actions, and make constructive contribution to regional peace and stability.”