[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Choi Jong-moon, the Second Vice Foreign Minister, explained that there was no discussion related to China in the meetings involving South Korea, despite the 'condemnation of China' message included in the joint statement of the Group of Seven (G7) summit.
On the 14th, Vice Minister Choi appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "In the three meetings between the G7 and invited countries such as South Korea, Australia, India, and South Africa, there was no such (China containment) discussion."
Vice Minister Choi explained, "There was very little time even to discuss major international issues," adding, "While discussions about China occasionally occur in the international community, when such discussions take place, we respond consistently."
Regarding the Japanese government and media's description that President Moon Jae-in approached Prime Minister Suga first to greet him at this G7 summit, he said, "In the leaders' lounge or at the banquet hall, it is natural for leaders who see each other first to approach and greet, and as several people talk together, others naturally join in and continue the conversation. It proceeds naturally and spontaneously," and criticized, "It is somewhat old-fashioned to argue about who greeted first or what happened."
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