FM:G7 in Japan urged not to escalate regional tension

The G7 summit in Japan is expected to "uphold an impartial and fair position" and not to worsen or stimulate regional tension, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a news conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang was responding to a question on whether the upcoming G7 summit is a proper place to discuss the South China Sea issue.

"As to the specific topics at the G7 summit, this is the business of G7 members themselves. Whatever topics they are going to discuss, we hope that they will uphold an impartial and fair position instead of applying double standards, drawing lines because of alliances, or even worse, escalating regional tension," Wang said.

China's positions regarding the South China Sea has been very clear, as it subscribes to international law and the Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea and seeks the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and negotiations with parties directly concerned, Wang said.

"This justified position of China is winning support from an increasing number of countries, and we will continue to uphold it," Wang added.

"The G7, as we know, is a forum for international economic issues. Therefore we hope that the G7 summit will focus on the imperative economic, financial and development issues that concerns today's world," Wang said.

Wang noted that the G7 members are also members of the G20. He said the G7 meetings are welcome to embark on coordination with the G20 meetings and "play a positive and constructive role in the success of the G20".

Prior to the Q&A section, the senior diplomat briefed reporters about preparations by China for the G20 summit in Hangzhou in September.