China deplores G7 statement on SCS

China deplored yesterday the “manipulation” of Chinarelated issues at the Group of Seven (G7) meeting and the support in rejecting Beijing’s illegal claims and aggression in the South China Sea.

“We strongly deplore and firmly reject the manipulation of China-related issues at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a press conference.

“The comments from the meeting are a deliberate mischaracterization of the facts and truth, and a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs,” he said.

He said China’s position on relevant issues is consistent and clear.

The G7 statement opposed Beijing’s militarization and intimidation activities in the South China Sea.

China slammed the G7, saying it has held fast to the ColdWar mentality, cobbled together small exclusive groupings, and escalated regional tensions and conflicts.

“We urge the G7 to change the habit of deflecting blame, stop interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and holding back other countries’ development at once, and work with the rest of the world to uphold peace, enhance cooperation and advance development,” Wang added.

Meantime, China insisted it reached an agreement with the Duterte administration and the administration of President Marcos in handling the situation at Ayungin Shoal, which Beijing calls Ren’ai Jiao.

Beijing challenged the Philippines to disclose what it is trying to hide in denying the gentleman’s agreement.

“China and the Philippines reached common understandings on properly handling the situation at Ren’ai Jiao. These common understandings were reached not only during the Philippines’ previous administration, but also its current administration,” Wang said.

“The Philippines keeps denying these common understandings. What exactly is their issue? Is there something they are trying to hide?” he added.

“Breach of commitments and provocations will only escalate the situation and eventually backfire on the Philippines itself. We hope the Philippines will face that squarely and decide sensibly what its action should be,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines will not be deterred by China’s threats, but the country will continue to defend its maritime rights and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea and in other parts of the archipelago.