China Condemns 'Irresponsible' G7 Leaders' Declaration

China's Foreign Ministry condemned the G7 Leaders' Declaration, which the group made on Monday, for what it called prejudices and irresponsible remarks regarding the situation in the East and South China Seas.

The G7 Leaders' Declaration "expressed concern" over the situation in the South China Sea and what it called "large-scale land reclamation" in the disputed areas. Unlike previous statements by the US which generally concerned the South China Sea, the declaration also mentions the East China Sea, where China has a territorial dispute with Japan.

"What the G7 does and says are way out of step with the facts and internationally recognized principles," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Tuesday.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman responded saying that China does not recognize the existing "status quo," but has exercised maximum restraint in the area. The Foreign Ministry spokesman added that China's construction on the islands falls within its sovereignty, and that it respects freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.

"China strongly urges the G7 to respect the facts, shed prejudices, stop making irresponsible remarks, and do more to help properly handle and settle the disputes and promote regional peace and stability," he added.