G7 Pressures China on Economy, Security, and Human Rights... China Denounces as "Interference in Internal Affairs" (Comprehensive)

G7 Strengthens Semiconductor Supply Chain Targeting China
Tibet and Hong Kong Human Rights Violations Highlighted
Security Threats Criticized Including Cross-Strait Issues
China Protests Through Trade Negotiations

The Group of Seven (G7) summit was held over three days starting on the 19th in Hiroshima, Japan. During the talks, a joint statement targeting China was released, covering various areas such as the economy, human rights, and security. As the G7 countries strengthen pressure on China through this meeting, tensions in the international community are expected to escalate.

◆Strengthening Strategic Material Supply Chains... Targeting China's Economic Retaliation

On the 20th, the day before the summit concluded, the G7 leaders issued a joint statement declaring their intention to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and materials against China and Russia, and to establish a new platform to counter economic coercion.

G7 Summit.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The statement specified that "we are ready to build constructive and stable relations with China" and emphasized that cooperation with China is essential. However, detailed sections on economy and security included numerous provisions aimed at China. Analysts interpret the core message of the statement as a check on China's hegemony.

The G7 countries stated in the joint statement, "Transparency, diversity, security, and sustainability are essential principles in building and strengthening resilient supply chains with the Group of Seven and trusted partner countries," and added, "We will strengthen resilient supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, batteries, and other essential materials through global partnerships."

This is interpreted as an intention to reduce dependence on China for strategic materials and to expand cooperation with allies such as South Korea to mitigate supply chain risks. China has historically used export restrictions as an economic retaliation weapon to pressure other countries' foreign policies.

Moreover, concerns are growing that advanced semiconductor supplies could be cut off in the event of a potential Chinese military invasion of Taiwan. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun explained that the G7 countries, through the statement, indicated their intention to strengthen a Western-centered semiconductor supply chain by involving countries with semiconductor production technology such as South Korea and European nations.

◆G7 Points Out Human Rights Abuses in Tibet, Hong Kong, and China

The G7 countries also strongly pressured China on human rights issues. The statement pointed out, "We express serious concerns about China's human rights issues, including forced labor, which is a significant problem in Tibet and the Xinjiang Uyghur region."

Furthermore, the G7 countries urged China to guarantee a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong under the Hong Kong Basic Law, which is based on the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The Sino-British Joint Declaration was an agreement made when the United Kingdom returned Hong Kong to China, stipulating that China would guarantee Hong Kong's autonomy under the "one country, two systems" governance model.

Quad Four Countries Leaders

In addition, the G7 countries condemned internet control and media censorship aimed at blocking citizens' access to information. This is also seen as targeting the Chinese government's censorship system known as the "Great Firewall," which blocks access to external internet channels.

◆"No Legal Basis for China's Maritime Claims"... Strongly Checking China's Security Threats

Regarding security, the statement strongly revealed intentions to check China's military rise and attempts at forced unification. It reaffirmed that "the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is indispensable for the well-being and prosperity of the international community."

It continued, "There is no change in the fundamental position of G7 member countries on Taiwan, including the clearly stated One-China policy," while emphasizing, "We call for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait (China and Taiwan) issues," opposing China's attempts at forced unification.

The leaders also strongly checked China by stating, "There is no legal basis for China's claims to expand maritime rights in the South China Sea," and "We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion."

◆China Calls It "Rude Interference in Internal Affairs"... Diplomatic Protest Measures

Following the release of the joint statement, China immediately reacted by lodging a diplomatic protest, termed "stern negotiations," with the host country Japan and others.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented, "Despite China's serious concerns, the G7 arbitrarily handled China-related agendas, smeared and attacked China, and rudely interfered in China's internal affairs."

Regarding the mention of cross-strait issues in the joint statement, the spokesperson stated, "While the G7 talks about safeguarding peace in the Taiwan Strait, it does not mention opposition to Taiwan independence, which effectively supports Taiwan independence and severely shocks peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," drawing a clear line by saying, "Taiwan is China's internal matter."

On the 18th, a multilateral summit between China and five Central Asian countries opened in Xi'an, Shanxi Province, the starting point of the Silk Road.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

In response to the G7 countries pointing out China's human rights issues in Tibet and elsewhere, China retorted, "Instead of lecturing China, the G7 should deeply reflect on their own historical and human rights atrocities."

Meanwhile, on the day before the G7 summit began, June 18, China held a summit with five Central Asian countries. This meeting appears to be an event aimed at showcasing Central Asian cooperation in response to the U.S.-led anti-China coalition.