China has forcefully responded to a statement released by G7 leaders, accusing the group of “arrogance, prejudice, and lies.” The G7, meeting last week in Italy, issued a statement criticizing China on various fronts, including its alleged support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine and its trade practices. The statement accused Beijing of supplying dual-use materials to Russia, which it claims are aiding the war effort.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, rejected these accusations, calling them “slander and attack” with “no factual basis, no legal basis, and no moral justification.” He characterized the G7 as a “political tool for safeguarding the hegemony of the United States and the West.”
The G7 also expressed concerns about China’s growing military presence in the South China Sea, labeling it “dangerous” and calling for an end to China’s “militarization, and coercive and intimidation activities.” This statement comes amid increasing tensions in the region, with a recent collision between Philippine and Chinese vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal.
Adding to the growing tensions, the G7 statement criticized China’s “harmful overcapacity” in various sectors, particularly in green energy, citing concerns about generous Chinese subsidies flooding the global market with cheap goods. The statement claimed that China’s industrial policies “create excuses for protectionism and undermine the efforts of global green and low-carbon transition and climate change cooperation.”
China has repeatedly dismissed these concerns. Lin Jian argued that the G7’s “speculation” on overcapacity “completely deviates from the objective facts and economic laws.” He reiterated that the G7 “does not represent the international community” and accused them of pursuing protectionist policies.
The G7 statement comes in a week when the European Union also announced plans to impose new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. These developments signal a growing rift between China and Western powers, with both sides accusing each other of unfair trade practices and attempting to dominate the global stage.
