On Friday, the last day of the G7 Summit, the participating leaders issued a strong statement on the dispute in the South and East China Seas. Although no country was specifically mentioned, the statement is apparently directed towards China.

"We are concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas, and emphasize the fundamental importance of peaceful management and settlement of disputes," G7 leaders said.    

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The G7 leaders added that all claims made in the disputed maritime territory must be based on international law. They warned that all claimants must avoid using "unilateral actions which could increase tensions" and also refrain using "force or coercion in trying to drive their claims."

China immediately dismissed the statement issued by G7 leaders, saying that it is "extremely dissatisfied" with the statement and accusing Japan of hyping up the South China Sea issue.    

"This G7 summit organized by Japan's hyping up of the South China Sea issue and exaggeration of tensions is not beneficial to stability in the South China Sea and does accord with the G7's position as a platform for managing the economies of developed nations," Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying said.               

Earlier China issued a veiled warning to G7 leaders to refrain from discussing maritime disputes at the high-profile summit. However, defying China's warning, Japan initiated the discussion on the South and East China Seas on Thursday.

Later this year, China will be hosting G20 summit, where leaders from developed and developing countries will gather together. Beijing has already made it clear that it would not allow any discussion of political matters at the summit, indicating that any discussion on South and East China Sea issues would not be tolerated.

Tagschina, G7 summit, South China Sea, East China Sea, G7 Summit 2016