Chinese embassy hits back at G7 remarks

China's embassy in London has strongly rebuked a series of "irresponsible" comments about China made recently by the Group of Seven, which the embassy says "confused right and wrong" in a number of instances.

Foreign and development ministers from the G7 international forum, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, met on Sunday and issued a statement, including comments regarding China.

"On China, we discussed a range of issues and challenges," the statement said. "Such as the situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, in the East and South China Seas and the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. We also expressed our concern about coercive economic policies."

Reacting to the comments, an embassy spokesperson said on Monday that affairs relating to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region are purely China's internal affairs and "brook no external interference".

"The G7 foreign and development ministers' meeting confused right and wrong on a number of issues, made irresponsible remarks on China and interfered in China's internal affairs," the spokesperson said. "We express grave concern and strong opposition."

The embassy said that "no-one should underestimate the strong resolve, will and capability of the Chinese people" in defending their country's territorial sovereignty.

"On the East and South China Seas, China remains unwavering in its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the spokesperson said. "Any interference in the situation of the East and South China Seas by any external force under any pretext would bring unnecessary disruptions to the peace and tranquility in the region and would not be in line with the interests of the countries in the region."

The embassy also took issue with the accusation that China had implemented coercive economic policies, saying this is "totally groundless".

"China is a country that loves peace and champions cooperation," the spokesperson said. "It is always a defender of world peace, a contributor to global development and an upholder of international order. At the same time, China resolutely safeguards its sovereignty, security and development interests."

The embassy said that times have changed, and that the G7 no longer exerts the power over the international community that it once did.

"The time when G7 monopolized international affairs and bullied other countries at will has long gone," the spokesperson said. "We urge the relevant countries to observe international law and the norms governing international relations with the (United Nations) Charter as the basis, and stop discrediting China, interfering in China's internal affairs and provoking troubles in the relations between China and other countries. These attempts will never succeed."