Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged the G7 on March 17, 2025, to cease undermining China's sovereignty and interfering in its internal affairs. This statement followed the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, where concerns were raised about China’s activities, especially relating to Taiwan and maritime security.
During a press briefing, Mao characterized the G7's joint statement and declaration as irresponsible and echoed China's strong disapproval. "This is a deliberate mischaracterization of facts, aiming to vilify China and interfere with our domestic matters," she stated. Mao's comments resonate widely as China engages more assertively on the global stage.
The G7 ministers issued their declaration condemning "China’s illicit, provocative, coercive, and dangerous actions" aimed at unilaterally altering the status quo both at sea and on land. Their criticisms included land reclamation efforts and military build-up within the contested South China Sea, where China has continued to fortify its positions under its disputed "nine-dash line" claim.
Notably, the G7 emphasized the significance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, deeming it integral to international security. China maintains its claim over Taiwan and has threatened forceful measures to unify it with the mainland if necessary. Mao remarked, "The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, which brooks no external interference."
China's recent actions, including deploying military outposts and bolstering maritime defenses, have led to accusations of aggression, particularly relating to the Spratly Islands. The G7 ministers labeled these developments "illicit" and informed the global community about their concerns.
Shortly after the G7's statements were made public, the Chinese embassy in Canada issued its own rebuff. Describing the G7's remarks as arrogant and predisposed to prejudicial narratives, the embassy argued, "China strongly deplores and opposes these statements and has lodged solemn representations with the Canadian side."
The embassy asserted these critiques ignored the realities of China's development and misrepresented its defensive postures as aggression. The G7's accusations are viewed by China as attempts to suppress its progress on the world stage.
Further complicity arose following China's military escalation along its borders with India and Bhutan. Reports indicate China has developed infrastructure there, raising alarms over potential territorial claims. Satellite observations reveal significant investment in housing and military facilities within these contested zones.
China's assertiveness reflects its strategic interests, but it faces growing pushback from Western powers, especially concerning its military expansions and claims over maritime territories. The G7 pointed out the risks of regional instability stemming from these maneuvers.
Mao Ning declined allegations of China supplying lethal weaponry to parties involved in the Ukrainian conflict, asserting Beijing's strict adherence to export controls over dual-use items. This response underlines China's intention to maintain diplomatic leverage amid rising tensions with Western nations.
Within the global discourse, Mao cautioned against what she termed the G7's double standards, especially highlighting the lack of accountability directed at the U.S. According to her, criticisms of China’s military spending fail to acknowledge the nuclear proliferation risks resulting from agreements like AUKUS.
"China always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security, and our defense spending is transparent and protective of our national interests," Mao declared. She indicated dissatisfaction with the Western narrative surrounding China's military growth, contending it is often politicized and serves broader agendas aimed at curtailing China’s influence.
Pursuing peaceful resolutions over confrontation, Mao emphasized the need for the G7 to reassess its position on global challenges, asserting, “The G7 needs to focus on major issues, including addressing global challenges and promoting global development.”
Her remarks were reinforced by the historical backdrop of China’s refusal to acknowledge the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling from 2016, which invalidated its extensive claims over the South China Sea. This has led to China's increased militarization of Spratly Islands, exacerbated tensions with neighboring countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, and prompted strategic alliances questioning China's expansionism.
While the world remains divided on the robustness of China’s claims and intentions, the rhetoric from both sides continues to escalate. The G7's statements, seen as expressions of solidarity among Western nations, ignite fierce responses from China, potentially complicative for future diplomatic engagements.
Observers assert the growing friction between China and the Western alliance could have significant ramifications, influencing both regional security dynamics and international trade landscapes. With China calling for the G7 to abandon its Cold War mentality, the path forward remains fraught with challenges and uncertainty as both China and the G7 navigate the complex global arena.
