Ankara: China on Monday dismissed a recent statement by the G7 foreign ministers, asserting that it 'vilifies' Beijing and 'interferes' in its internal affairs.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning addressed a press conference, criticizing the joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting. She described the declaration as a deliberate mischaracterization of facts, aimed at vilifying China and meddling in its internal affairs. Mao emphasized that China has lodged serious protests with relevant countries over the statement.

The G7 meeting, held in Charlevoix, Quebec, from March 12-14, included foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The statement from this meeting expressed concerns about China's military build-up and the rapid increase in its nuclear arsenal. It urged China to refrain from activities that could threaten the security and safety of G7 nations.

The statement also highlighted issues such as the use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine and Vietnamese vessels, and opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion concerning Taiwan. In response, Mao Ning stated that the situation in Taiwan should not be subject to external interference, and described the South China Sea as generally stable.

Mao further noted that China's military spending is intended to safeguard its national security and maintained that Beijing keeps its nuclear capabilities at a minimum level. She criticized the G7 for not addressing the US's responsibility in disarmament and the nuclear proliferation risks posed by AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Mao concluded by urging the G7 to cease politicizing and weaponizing trade and economic relations, and to stop actions that undermine the international economic order and destabilize global industrial and supply chains.