Beijing hits out at ‘arrogant and malicious’ G7 criticisms over South China Sea and Taiwan

Despite growing internal trade tensions, the G7 has presented a united front in attacking Beijing’s ‘illicit’ and ‘dangerous’ actions

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Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army carries out a combat drill in the Taiwan Strait. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 1:21pm, 15 Mar 2025Updated: 10:09pm, 15 Mar 2025

China has accused the Group of 7 of “arrogance, prejudice and malice” after the bloc’s latest criticisms of Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

The Chinese embassy in Canada – host country for the meeting of G7 foreign ministers that wrapped up on Friday – also said the group was “blatantly smearing” China and “grossly” interfering in its internal affairs.

“The statements are filled with arrogance, prejudice and malicious intentions to suppress and attack China. China strongly deplores and opposes this and has lodged solemn representations with the Canadian side,” the embassy said on Friday.

Tensions between China and the United States and several other G7 members remain high amid a series of tariff tit-for-tats.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump’s upending of Washington’s role in the global order – including his stance on Russia’s war on Ukraine – has prompted debate about whether this offers China a chance to get closer to US allies in Europe and Asia.

In a declaration on “maritime security and prosperity”, the G7 diplomats earlier on Friday accused Beijing of “illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous” actions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.