China voices dissatisfaction with G7 foreign ministers' statement on sea disputes

China on Tuesday expressed strong dissatisfaction after foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) issued a statement that touched upon disputes in the East and South China Seas.

"We urge the G7 member states to honor their commitment of not taking sides on issues involving territorial disputes," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in response to the statement issued by the foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States on Monday after they convened in the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

Lu said as recovery of the world economy remains weak, the G7 bloc should have focused on global economic governance and cooperation rather than hyping up the disputes.

"China's stance on the East and South China Seas are consistent and clear," said the spokesman, adding that it is completely within China's sovereignty to build structures on some of its Nansha islands and reefs and that there is no problem with freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas.

Lu said China is always committed to resolving relevant disputes with countries immediately involved through negotiations in line with international law, on the basis of respecting historical facts, to maintain peace and stability in the seas while resolutely safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

He reiterated that China will neither accept nor participate in any arbitration illegally forced upon it.

"We urge the G7 member states to fully respect the efforts made by countries in the region, stop making irresponsible remarks and all irresponsible actions, and truly play a constructive role for regional peace and stability," said the spokesman. Endi