G7 warns China on military activities in South China Sea, urges it to press Russia to exit Ukraine

Body representing most of world’s largest economies tells Beijing that playing by international rules ‘would be of global interest’

Amid increasing criticism of China’s conduct in South China Sea, G7 leaders say no legal basis for its maritime expansion there

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Suspected Chinese militia ships stay near the Philippine-claimed Julian Felipe Reef, also called Whitsun Reef, in the disputed South China Sea on Saturday. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard via AP

Published: 6:21am, 7 Dec 2023Updated: 12:01am, 8 Dec 2023

The G7 on Wednesday issued a pointed warning on China’s militarisation of the South China Sea and called for Beijing to press Russia for an unconditional withdrawal Afrom Ukraine.

The body representing most of the world’s largest economies had Beijing squarely in mind after convening a virtual meeting attended by its members’ heads of state, with the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East also figuring prominently.

In a statement, it urged China to “press Russia to stop its military aggression” and to “support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

While the Group of 7 leaders reaffirmed a commitment to building “constructive and stable relations with China”, they said Beijing must abide by international rules and address challenges like climate change and debt sustainability in vulnerable countries.

The G7 summit leaders appear on a monitor during a video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday. Photo: Handout via Reuters

“A growing China that plays by international rules would be of global interest,” the leaders said in the statement.

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