MUENSTER, Germany (Reuters) – A meeting of foreign ministers from the seven major countries (G7) in Munster, West Germany, called on China to refrain from the threat or use of force and to seek peace in the Taiwan Strait. The two-day program concluded with a joint statement underlining the importance of stability.
The G7 said it was “seriously concerned about the situation around the East and South China Sea” after China held military exercises near Taiwan earlier this year.
He also expressed his willingness to cooperate to the fullest extent possible to address global challenges such as security, public health and climate change.
On the other hand, German Chancellor Scholz visited China on the same day, raising concerns that Germany may prioritize economic cooperation with China, its main trading partner, over national security. It could also lead to divisions among Western allies who are strengthening their position on China.
US Secretary of State Brinken said Thursday that the G7 has a clear vision of the need to harmonize its approach to China. He added that the United States strongly agrees with Prime Minister Scholz’s visit to China this week.
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Borrell said Wednesday that while the West needs to reduce its dependence on China, it cannot be put on a par with Russia.
Borrell told reporters at the G7 foreign ministers meeting: “China is building a new era of foreign policy and at the national level (China) is strengthening its self-assertion and striving towards self-sufficiency. It’s clear,” he said. .
“What is clear is that we want to reduce dependence, address vulnerabilities and build resilience. But at the moment, many of our member states have strong economic ties with China. I don’t think you can put Russia on the same page.” He said.
