The G7 group of economically strong democracies has unequivocally called on China to respect international rules.
“We remind China of the need to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and abstain from threats, coercion, intimidation, or the use of force,” states a joint declaration adopted on Tuesday at the end of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Karuizawa, Japan.
G7 also made it clear that it is willing to tighten sanctions against Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine.
“Nobody in the world wants a new bloc confrontation,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said beforehand. “Our unity is not meant to exclude. It is an offer of fair cooperation.”
In view of intensifying system rivalry, she said that the G7 countries wanted “to promote cooperation based on fair rules around the world”. Besides Germany and Japan, the Group of Seven also comprises France, Italy, Canada, the USA and the UK. Japan currently holds the presidency.