Fiuggi (Italy): The G7 Foreign Ministers and the European Union’s High Representative expressed grave concerns over China’s human rights record, citing issues in Xinjiang, Tibet, and the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong.
Following their meeting in Italy, the leaders also condemned Beijing’s maritime actions in the East and South China Seas, labeling them a threat to regional stability.
Human Rights Violations
The G7 ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU’s High Representative criticized the recent sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong under the National Security Law.
Their joint statement noted:
“The sentencing of 45 pro-democracy politicians and activists marks a further deterioration of democratic participation and pluralism, which undermines confidence in the rule of law as enshrined in the Hong Kong Basic Law, and therefore Hong Kong’s and the People’s Republic of China’s international legal obligations.”
The group called on China and Hong Kong authorities to honor their international human rights commitments, denouncing the disproportionate use of the National Security Law to suppress dissent. They also raised concerns about nearly 300 arrests in Hong Kong for alleged violations of the law or sedition, and the implications of Article 23 legislation, which has intensified crackdowns on opposition voices.
Maritime Concerns
The statement also highlighted China’s actions in the East and South China Seas, calling them violations of international law:
“We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.”
The ministers condemned:
- China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.
- The militarization of the region, including the use of coast guard and maritime militia forces for coercion.
- “Dangerous maneuvers” and water cannon attacks targeting vessels from the Philippines and Vietnam.
The statement reaffirmed the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the legal framework for maritime disputes, emphasizing the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling as legally binding for peacefully resolving disputes.
Conclusion
The G7 leaders reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, supporting human rights, and ensuring freedom of navigation in contested waters. The statement serves as a unified call for accountability from Beijing on multiple fronts.