FM refutes G7 statement on Taiwan

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi strongly refuted G7 foreign ministers' statement on the Taiwan question on Thursday, saying the group has no qualifications to make accusations against China.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of the ASEAN-plus foreign ministers' meetings in Phnom Penh. The statement said China's countermeasures in response to United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan "risk unnecessary escalation."

Noting the ins and outs of the tension across the Taiwan Straits are clear-cut, Wang pointed out it is the US that makes provocations, creates crisis and continuously escalates tensions.

As the US' open provocations have resulted in an egregious precedent, Wang asked if they are not corrected or countered, "Do we still need the principle of non-interference in internal affairs? Should international law be upheld? How can regional peace be guaranteed?" 

Saying the statement confuses right and wrong and makes unwarranted remarks on legitimate measures China has taken to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Wang said the G7 nations have neither the right nor the qualification to criticize China.

"Isn't it odd to cover up violations and criticizing rights defenders?" Wang asked.

The erroneous act of the G7 nations has aroused great indignation among the Chinese people, Wang said, adding China's sovereignty and independence are earned through people's struggle which brooks no infringement.

"Today's China is no longer the country it was in the 19th century. History should and will not repeat itself."

Wang called for the international community to unequivocally oppose any acts that challenge the one-China principle and reject any deeds that infringe upon a country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Countries in the region should unite together to oppose hegemony and bullying, he added. "By doing so, countries can safeguard their own security as well as peace and stability in the region."