China summons G7 ambassador to protest criticism of 'Taiwan military demonstration'

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned ambassadors from the Group of Seven (G7) countries who criticized its large-scale military exercises around Taiwan to lodge a protest. In particular, it emphasized that Japan must exercise greater caution in its words and actions, bearing the "historical guilt of colonizing Taiwan."

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 5th, Deputy Minister Deng Li summoned ambassadors from the G7 countries and the European Union (EU) the day before to express protest. Deputy Minister Deng stated that the G7 foreign ministers issued a statement containing incorrect information about Taiwan and confused right and wrong, strongly opposing and condemning this. He also claimed that they seriously violated the basic norms of international relations and the four principles.

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Deng pointed out that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory and that the Taiwan issue is China's "internal affair." He explained that Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, ignored China's clear opposition and engaged in political provocations in Taiwan, which seriously violates the "One China" principle and maliciously infringes on China's sovereignty.

Earlier, on the 3rd, the G7 foreign ministers criticized China's aggressive military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, stating, "Conducting aggressive military activities in the Taiwan Strait under the pretext of a visit cannot be justified," and warned that "China's escalated response risks increasing tensions and instability in the region."

Deputy Minister Deng also expressed dissatisfaction specifically toward Japan regarding this statement. He pointed out, "The Taiwan issue is related to the political foundation of China-Japan relations and the basic trust between the two countries," and added, "Japan must bear the serious historical guilt of having colonized Taiwan long ago and therefore must exercise greater caution in its words and actions."