G7 urged to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs: spokesman

The Group of Seven (G7) should stop interfering in China's internal affairs, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Wednesday, rejecting the G7 summit statement concerning Taiwan question, the South China Sea, and China's economic practices.

At a regular press briefing in Beijing, Guo expressed strong opposition to G7's manipulation of China-related issues.

"The G7 Summit once again manipulated issues related to China. The G7 made irresponsible remarks on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea, falsely accused China of 'overcapacity' and 'market distortion'. This constitutes interference in China's internal affairs and violation of the basic norms governing international relations. China firmly opposes this and has lodged strong protests with relevant parties," Guo said.

He further reiterated China's stance on the Taiwan question and condemned the attempts of using maritime issues to stir up tensions.

"The biggest factor undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the Taiwan secessionist activities and interference by external forces. If the G7 truly cares about peace in the Taiwan Strait, it should abide by the one-China principle, categorically oppose Taiwan secession, and support China's reunification. At present, the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea is generally stable. The G7 should respect the joint efforts of countries in the region to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation and maintain peace and stability, and stop using maritime issues to sow discord between countries in the region and escalate regional tensions," he said.

The spokesman further dismissed claims of "market distortion" and "overcapacity" as pretexts for trade protectionism aimed at suppressing China's industrial development, and urged the G7 to contribute positively to international community.

"The so-called 'market distortions' and 'overcapacity' accusations are absolutely false. The G7 use them as an excuse for their trade protectionist practices, and to essentially contain and suppress China's industrial progress, and politicize and weaponize economic and trade issues. China once again urges the G7 to see the overwhelming global trend, abandon the Cold War mentality and ideological bias, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop instigating conflict and confrontation, and act in the interest of the international community," he said.

G7 urged to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs: spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia holds the strategic initiative along the entire front lines and the goals of the country's special military operation in Ukraine will be achieved.

"The past year has been an important milestone in fulfilling the tasks of the special military operation," Putin said while addressing an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry.

Putin underscored that Russia has the capability to accelerate its offensive pace, adding that Russia's task of expanding the security buffer zone will be fulfilled, and the core goals of the operation will be realized.

"This year alone, more than 300 settlements have been liberated, including major cities that the enemy had turned into fortified strongholds equipped with long-term defensive structures," the Russian leader said.

He said that the Russian military currently holds the strategic initiative along the entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front and is defeating Ukrainian forces, including elite Ukrainian units trained in the West.

Russia is currently seeking mutually beneficial and fair cooperation with the United States and European countries, Putin said.

Putin rejected claims portraying Russia as a threat to European nations, saying that such narratives are unfounded and fabricated.

Putin also announced that several submarines and surface ships have been commissioned into the Russian Navy this year, while the "Oreshnik" missile complex will enter combat duty by the end of 2025.

Russian military holds strategic initiative along entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front: Putin